Deep-sea Fishing Bans Thrive: Spanish Complaint Dismissed
Deep-sea Fishing Restrictions in the North-East Atlantic: Spanish Challenge Fails - Unsuccessful Spanish Effort to Limit Deep-Sea Fishing in North-East Atlantic
In the ballsy move of 2016, the EU Commission clamped down on deep-sea fishing in the North Atlantic, implementing special regulations to safeguard fragile marine ecosystems. Fast forward to 2022, the regions deemed protected or likely to host vulnerable marine life were unveiled. Deep-sea fishing gear of the bottom-trawling variety, such as seabed trawls, were banned in these zones.
Despite the Spanish government and fishing industries being opposed, their appeals fell on deaf ears. The court ruled that the Commission wasn't obligated to examine every type of bottom-trawling tool for its effect on the delicate ecosystems. If they still harbor doubts, they can swing by the European Court of Justice again.
Sea Fishing* EU Commission* Spain* Deep-sea* European Court of Justice* Bottom-trawling gear* North Atlantic* Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs)* Marine life conservation* ** Overfishing**
The EU Commission's new rules establish a ban on bottom fishing gear in 87 Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) within the North Atlantic, where fishing vessels cannot delve below 400 meters[1][2]. Furthermore, the EU regulations forbid bottom trawling below 800 meters in specific areas of the North-East Atlantic, intended to maintain fish stocks and shield marine species[2].
The EU General Court sided with the Commission, upholding their decision as lawful. Emphasizing the presence of protected species in these areas, the court reasoned that regulators weren't required to evaluate the financial impact on fishermen or determine if some fishing gear had lesser impact on the ecosystem. The court also vouched for the input from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea in determining conservation regions[2].
The goal behind these restrictions is to protect slow-reproducing species that are susceptible to overfishing, like alfonsinos, black scabbardfish, and shark species[2]. This ruling fortifies the EU's stance on environmental protection over economic interests in these sensitive ecosystems.
The EU Commission's stance on environmental protection over economic interests in sensitive ecosystems, such as the North Atlantic, is reinforced by the EU General Court's decision to uphold the Commission's ban on bottom fishing gear in Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). The court's ruling emphasizes the presence of protected species in these areas, stating that the Commission isn't obligated to assess the financial impact on fishermen or determine if certain fishing gear has less impact on the ecosystem. This policy aligns with the Commission's goal of protecting slow-reproducing species like alfonsinos, black scabbardfish, and shark species from overfishing. This stance, coupled with the dismissal of Spanish appeals, constitutes a significant step in climate-change policy and environmental-science, furthering policy-and-legislation related to marine life conservation. This development in competition policy is covered under general news and politics.
[1] Deep-sea Fishing Bans Thrive: Spanish Complaint Dismissed[2] [Source]
