Several researchers, NGOs, and public figures have published an open letter in Le Figaro denouncing the lack of fishing regulations in marine protected areas. They are calling on President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the upcoming Ocean Summit.
WWF, Surfrider, Greenpeace, as well as several researchers from CNRS, Plastic Odyssey, and the Tara Ocean Foundation. The list of signatories of an open letter in Le Figaro against fishing, particularly bottom trawling, in marine protected areas is long.
These environmental experts are addressing Emmanuel Macron ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference to be held in Nice in June, urging him to provide strong, French-style protection for marine protected areas. The signatories cite Greece, the United Kingdom, and Sweden as good examples in Europe and argue that France’s international credibility is at stake.
Pressure from NGOs
They write that it is well-established that fishing is the main cause of marine biodiversity erosion. This statement is likely to upset the more than 12,000 French fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on the oceans. These same fishermen frequently denounce the attacks by NGOs against their profession.
On March 20, the Brittany Fishing Committee issued a statement reminding that the future of Breton fishing relies on trawling, and no, trawlers do not destroy the seabed. The trawling zones are now strictly defined and tend to avoid sensitive or at-risk areas, according to the CRPMEM Brittany, where 25% of the fleet practices trawling.
No, Trawlers Do Not Destroy the Seabed
— Regional Committee of Fisheries and Marine Farming of Brittany
While France imports 80% of the seafood consumed in the country, we want Breton seafood products to remain accessible to as many consumers as possible, starting with our school cafeterias. Trawlers contribute to this, emphasizes Grégory Métayer, captain of the trawler Le Pearl and president of the Departmental Committee of Fisheries of Côtes-d’Armor.
Source: lemarin
