In an open letter published on Wednesday, eight environmental organizations are calling for a ban on « destructive » fishing methods in French marine protected areas. A bill has also been submitted.
In France, marine protected areas, which are supposed to serve as sanctuaries for marine biodiversity, are not truly fulfilling this role. With four months to go until the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference, which will take place in Nice from June 9 to 13, eight environmental organizations, including Bloom and the Tara Ocean Foundation, are appealing to President Emmanuel Macron, reminding him of his commitments in this regard.
In their open letter, published on February 5 as part of the launch of their campaign « Protect Our Catch: The Voice of the Ocean », they specifically demand the « ban on destructive fishing methods such as bottom trawling » in French marine protected areas.
These areas, which numbered 564 in 2022, are intended to protect marine biodiversity and its habitat. They officially cover just over 30% of French maritime spaces, a target set by the government in 2019. A third of them is supposed to be under a level of protection referred to as « strong ». However, this « French-style » status has long been criticized by environmental organizations because it does not strictly prohibit industrial activities, particularly fishing.
Source: Le Monde
