Chalits, dredges, meshes, palangers, lockers and traps: as soon as they scrape the funds, all these fishing machines are now prohibited in 87 European Atlantic Water Zones. A decision welcomed by environmental NGOs.
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In the Atlantic, they draw an almost continuous line which leaves from North West of Ireland to reach the southwest coasts of France, then runs along those of Spain and descends to the end of the Portugal: These are the 87 zones that the fishing trawlers will now have to save. Their common point is to deeply house fragile ecosystems – coral reefs of cold water, submarine mountains and flaws, as many precious habitats for marine fauna. Shas, dredges, meshing nets, palangers, lockers and traps: as soon as they scrape the funds, all these fishing machines considered to be the most destructive, are now prohibited. Thus, 16,419 km 2 , or 1.16 % of the community waters of the Northeast Atlantic, which are sheltered.
“We keep our commitment to protect and restore marine life”, welcomed Virginjus Sinkevicius, the European Commissioner in charge of the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. He announced that this decision, adopted on Thursday, September 15, will soon apply, twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (EU).
The 87 areas to be closed were carefully selected according to the opinion of the scientists of the International Council for the exploration of the sea, according to the richness and the vulnerability of their ecosystems but also so as to “disrupt the least Possible fishing activities “. They have also been negotiated for a long time with member states, environmental defense NGOs and the fishing industry. While thanking this professional sector for the efforts he has made, Mr. Sinkevicius stressed that: “Our oceans and our fisheries depend on healthy marine ecosystems (…) This is our duty to our society, towards future generations and in particular towards those whose subsistence depends on marine resources. “
” surprised by the decision of France “
The initial protection perimeter was a little wider, but it bites on the British space: Brexit therefore reduced the new deal. However, the 87 areas selected represent 17 % of the area between 400 meters and 800 meters deep from the European waters. Why not lower? Because beyond this depth, fishing has been prohibited in the EU since 2016. The new provisions in fact complement the regulations for the access of fishery to deep waters.
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