Myth:

According to Nature Research scientific report on “Recent pace of change in human impact on the world’s ocean”, parameters which have the most impact on the ocean today are : sea surface temperature, ocean acidification, sea level rise, pollution and shipping. It is acknowledged in the report that fishing has an impact but it is “insignificant as a cause of changes in the ocean. 

Fact:

Bottom fishing to catch fish has an environmental impact, we are not denying that. Everything we do in life as human beings affects the environment and producing food is no different. Everything we eat costs the planet something. Nevertheless, the European Union has been working in collaboration with the fishing sector to invest in effective fisheries management. Mapping of the sea has helped identify vulnerable areas, and as result areas were closed to fishing when needed. Nowadays, our vessels are more selective so that they use less impacting techniques and have reduced fuel consumption. Our vessels operate under the most strict regulations to minimize any negative impact. 

Myth:

Demand for protein, in all its forms, is expected to grow significantly as an increasingly affluent global population reaches over 9 billion by 2050. At the same time, supply will be constrained in the face of increased pressure on scarce resources, land and water, and the impacts of climate change. Faced with this reality, the million of tons of fish that bottom trawlers are capable only to bring ashore every year must be preserved.

Myth:

Most bottom trawlers represented by the EBFA are small-scale vessels which are family-run businesses who pass on a legacy.

Myth:

We have no interest in barren marine areas, because it would mean we would not be able to fish at all. On the contrary, we strongly favour fisheries management, even more so as, according to a study by Professor Hilborn, “effective fisheries management are instrumental in improving fish stock status”. 

Myth:

Such an action is simply not economically viable. The risk of breaking fishing nets is too great. A single net can cost over €50,000. Bottom fishing only takes place in sandy and high wave-action seafloor.

Myth:

Ocean acidification, ocean warming, pollution, plastics et cetera have the biggest negative impact on our oceans (Halpern, Benjamin S., et al. “Patterns and emerging trends in global ocean health).

Fact:

Wild-caught fish is the perfect protein since wild-caught seafood does not require being artificially fed, the use of water supply, antibiotics, or pesticides.

Myth:

Depending on the level of protection, human activities such as fishing can take place in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), as long as the activity does not threatens the vulnerable area or species aimed to be protected (like protecting birds, mammals, et cetera).

MPAs are one of the tools for the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems and biodiversity, the reduction of local pollution (unfortunately not regarding land-based pollution) as well as other impacts of human activities, but cannot prevent (but may help mitigating) the impacts of climate change.

MPAs may also have other goals like controlled socio-economic development and the harmony of different uses, but their performance on these issues is still to be illustrated and demonstrated.

Myth:

There are no good or bad fishing gears, it all depends on their sustainable use, good regulation and enforcement, which are the most efficient tools to achieve the protection of vulnerable areas and species.