Activists Demand Ban on Destructive Bottom Trawling Ahead of UN Ocean Summit

Call for Ocean Protection

• 🌍 Activists globally marched demanding concrete measures to protect the oceans at the UN Ocean Conference.
• 📌 Key demands include truly protected marine areas and an end to destructive fishing practices.

The Issue of Bottom Trawling

• 🎣 Bottom trawling, a destructive fishing method using heavy nets, is a central issue at the summit, particularly for host country France.
• ⚠️ While scientists and experts have called for a ban, French fishermen argue it's a necessity for the industry.

Marine Protected Areas Under Scrutiny

• 📊 France claims to protect 33% of its ocean through marine protected areas.
• 🧐 However, conservation groups argue that 98% of these areas still permit destructive activities.

International Precedents

• 🇬🇷 The Greek government recently implemented a ban on bottom trawling around its islands, setting a potential example for other nations.