Global Push to Protect Oceans: High Seas Treaty, Bottom Trawling Ban, and Marine Protected Areas

The Impact of Bottom Trawling

• 🎣 Bottom trawling involves nets that smash across the seabed, destroying biodiversity and ecosystems.
• ⚠️ This destructive fishing method is currently banned in only a tiny percentage of marine protected areas, such as 0.1% in French waters.

Calls for Increased Protection

• 🌊 Environmental activists and scientists are calling for a significant increase in protected areas and bans on destructive fishing methods.
• 🎯 While the French government proposes increasing the ban to 4% by 2026, scientists argue that at least 10% should be protected.
• 📊 Public opinion in France shows strong support, with 78% of people wanting marine protected areas that truly prohibit destructive fishing.

International Summits and Treaties

• 🌍 A global summit is underway, focusing on the state of the oceans and key conservation efforts.
• 🤝 Priorities include achieving the necessary ratifications for a global treaty on harmful fishing subsidies.
• 🌐 Another critical focus is advancing a treaty to protect the high seas beyond national jurisdiction.