Environmental campaigners have raised concerns about the impact of bottom-trawl fishing on marine wildlife, highlighting the harm it causes to species such as dolphins, harbour porpoises, and puffins. The activists are urging for a full prohibition of this fishing practice in all marine protected areas.
Bottom trawling involves dragging heavy nets across the seafloor, a process that physically damages underwater habitats. Beyond the immediate destruction of the seabed, the activity produces significant underwater noise and stirs up sediment clouds. These disturbances interfere with the sensory systems of various marine species. Dolphins and harbour porpoises, which depend heavily on echolocation for hunting, face challenges due to the increased noise levels, while seabirds such as puffins and terns experience impaired feeding conditions because the sediment plumes reduce water clarity and affect their ability to see prey.
These concerns were detailed in a recent report by Oceana UK, an environmental organization focused on ocean conservation. The report emphasizes that the cumulative effects of habitat destruction, auditory disruption, and visual impairment have broader ecological consequences that extend beyond targeted fish species, threatening the overall health of marine ecosystems.
Campaigners argue that banning bottom trawling in marine protected areas would safeguard vulnerable species and help preserve critical habitats, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting sustainable fisheries. The call comes amid ongoing debates over balance between conservation efforts and fishing industry interests, with proponents of trawling citing its economic importance and efficiency in catching certain fish stocks.
No immediate responses from the fishing industry or government authorities have been reported regarding the calls for an expanded ban. However, the issue continues to prompt discussion on how best to reconcile environmental sustainability with commercial fishing practices in the face of growing evidence on the ecological impact of bottom-trawl methods.