The film marks the launch of Blue Marine Foundation’s new campaign, The Bottom Line, lobbying for a ban on the destructive practice in UK waters.
According to Client Earth, bottom trawling is responsible for around one-quarter of the world’s total marine catch each year. In the EU, this rises to 32%.
The UK, Italy, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Croatia and Spain are in the top 10 countries globally for carbon emissions from bottom trawling. But this is just a fraction of the total impact. 60% of what trawler gather as they scrape the sea bed is ‘useless’ – not the species they are actually fishing for. Meanwhile, the marine floor is decimated, leaving one of the most important natural climate mitigation resources on the planet effectively in ruins.
Amazingly, bottom trawling is not always banned in Europe’s Marine Protected Areas, despite the suggestion these areas are protected and are often home to habitats such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Both of which are already in decline for a number of reasons.
According to recent polling by NGO Blue Marine Foundation, three in four Britons now back a total ban on trawling. 77% are concerned about the loss of marine life that results from the practice, but just 26% think the government is doing enough to meet international commitments on ocean protection. Importantly, two-thirds of the public now say a politician’s stance on ocean protection will affect how they vote.
People are now being asked to send an open letter to the Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, demanding an end to this devastating approach to fishing. Meanwhile, Sir David Attenborough’s new film, Ocean, lays bare the real impact of this industry, with never-before-seen footage of bottom trawling taking place. You can watch the film above.
Image: David Clode /Unsplash
More EJ TV: