Frequently Asked Questions

The European Bottom Fishing Alliance (EBFA) represents 14 EU countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, and Portugal, among others.

EBFA was established in March 2022 to support the use of bottom gears as a sustainable fishing activity and to ensure that European legislation is based on science and facts.

EBFA is chaired by Ivan Lopez Van der Veen, who is also the chair of the International Coalition of Fishing Associations (ICFA) and the Long Distance Advisory Council (LDAC).

EBFA supports regulations based on scientific data and advocates for policies that consider socio-economic impacts alongside environmental goals.

EBFA members and operators have developed long-term partnerships with scientific organizations, invest in research projects, and adhere to credible environmental certification schemes such as the MSC, ensuring that bottom trawling practices remain sustainable.

EBFA advocates for policies that consider the livelihoods of fishing communities and sustainable food supply, ensuring that regulations are balanced with the socio-economic needs of coastal populations.

EBFA engages in dialogue with environmental organizations, seeking collaborative solutions that balance economic needs with ecological preservation.

EBFA advocates for research and innovation in fishing practices, technological advancements to reduce environmental impact, and engagement with stakeholders to promote sustainable bottom fishing.

EBFA members work with fisheries management organizations, scientific institutions, and relevant NGOs to promote best practices, share research, and enhance the sustainability of bottom fishing.

Individuals and organizations can support EBFA by staying informed, advocating for sustainable fishing practices, and engaging with local fishing communities to promote responsible seafood consumption.

Bottom trawling is a fishing method that involves dragging a net along the seabed. It can be divided into benthic trawling, which directly interacts with the seabed, and demersal trawling, which operates just above it.

Bottom trawling targets a variety of species, including cod, haddock, monkfish, hake, shrimp, and flatfish, which are important for both commercial fishing and culinary traditions.

Bottom trawling supports over 20,000 fishermen and 7,000 vessels across Europe, whose daily fresh landings sustains coastal communities and provides food security.

Bottom trawling is a key contributor to Europe’s seafood supply, providing 25% of the EU’s total fish landings in weight and value. In other words, they land approximately 1 million tonnes of fish per year.

Fishers use the best tools for each fishery. Bottom trawling is one of the most efficient fishing methods to catch bottom-dwelling fish, helping bring ashore a significant amount of Europe’s fish.

The industry faces increased regulations, bureaucracy, larger area closures, and competition for marine space with other industries like offshore wind farms.

No, many bottom trawlers are small vessels below 24 meters, family-owned businesses that follow sustainable practices

The future of bottom trawling depends on continued collaboration between the fishing industry, scientists, and policymakers to adapt to environmental changes and ensure sustainable practices.

Yes, when properly managed and regulated, like any other human activity. Many bottom fisheries in the EU are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), going beyond rigorous EU sustainability standards.

Yes, the impact of bottom fishing is minimized through responsible practices, such as operating in resilient areas, using advanced gear, and avoiding sensitive habitats like coral reefs, which are protected by regulations. Sustainable management, including spatial closures and selective gear, ensures high seabed status and better ecosystem outcomes.

Fishers follow science-based quotas and harvest only what is recommended by scientists to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks, safeguarding resources for future generations and marine biodiversity. The abundance of the average groundfish stock is increasing and is now above levels that would produce Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), demonstrating the effectiveness of these management practices.

No, scientific studies show that climate change, pollution, and ocean acidification have a far greater impact on marine ecosystems than regulated fishing activities.

While bottom trawling can disturb sediments, our vessels traditionally operate in the same areas and implement responsible practices that help mitigate these effects and contribute to marine carbon sequestration efforts.

Fishers use specialized nets and techniques to reduce bycatch and protect non-target species, contributing to healthier marine ecosystems.

Climate change impacts fish populations and distribution, prompting the industry to adapt by modifying fishing locations and practices to ensure long-term sustainability.

Yes, EBFA members actively support a range of research initiatives aimed at better protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems and advancing innovative practices to enhance sustainability. These efforts include mapping and monitoring seafloor habitats and fishing footprints, developing advanced selective gear technologies, implementing seasonal and spatial closures, introducing real-time catch reporting systems, reducing the physical impact of trawling gear, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of bottom trawling practices.

Modern advances in technology, including sonar mapping, reduced dragging, energy-efficiency systems and selective gear, play a vital role in minimizing environmental impacts.