Bottom trawling in EU costs society up to €16 billion a year, according to study

Bottom trawling in European waters costs society up to €16 billion a year, according to a scientific study published on Tuesday 28 April.

Published in the journal Ocean & Coastal Management, the study is the first to assess the full economic costs of this fishing practice. The researchers analysed the activity of more than 4,900 European trawlers between 2016 and 2021. They conclude that climate impacts linked to CO₂ emissions are the main cost item. The net costs to the company would be up to 90 times greater than the sector’s annual profits, estimated at €180 million.

Researchers estimate that 23% of bottom trawling takes place in protected marine areas. In several EU countries, more than a quarter of this activity takes place in these sensitive areas. According to the study, industrial fishing provides just 2% of the animal protein consumed in the EU. It employs fewer than 20,000 people. The authors call for a Europe-wide reduction of at least 50% in bottom trawling. They believe that public subsidies could be redirected towards less destructive methods. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)