Europe’s marine protected areas (MPAs) are facing severe threats as European leaders recently convened for the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC). Despite significant scientific evidence and public advocacy, the commitments made in the Nice Action Plan revealed that only a small number of EU Member States are taking meaningful steps to protect MPAs. Most nations failed to implement decisive measures against destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling, which severely impact these vital marine environments.
This lack of action comes as a surprise, especially following the EU’s announcement of the European Ocean Pact by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at UNOC. The Pact emphasizes the protection and restoration of ocean health, aligning with existing EU commitments such as the Marine Action Plan that encourages Member States to phase out harmful fishing practices in MPAs. While some countries are making progress, others are lagging behind.
For example, the UK has taken significant steps to ban bottom trawling in MPAs, whereas EU nations have been less proactive. Portugal announced plans to expand its MPA network, yet a management strategy is still pending. Denmark committed to banning bottom trawling in select waters and is working towards increasing strictly protected areas.
Sweden also mentioned future plans to limit bottom trawling in some MPAs, but confusion exists in countries like Spain, which defend harmful fishing while simultaneously announcing bans to protect fragile ecosystems. Senior Marine Policy Officer Tatiana Nuño criticized the EU countries’ inaction, stating that their legacy at the conference reflects a contradiction between their words and actions. The responsibility for this inaction lies clearly with national governments, which have shown little political will to confront the destructive habits of industrial fishing vessels.
The European Commission must hold these governments accountable to enforce EU law. Organizations like Seas At Risk, along with partners including Danmarks Naturfredningsforening, ClientEarth, and Oceana, have initiated legal complaints urging action against countries that disregard EU nature laws. The interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change demand a unified European response.
As leaders return from UNOC, it is crucial that the voices advocating for the ocean continue to resonate, ensuring that EU regulations and fishing policies remain effective for the preservation of marine health.