Our planet's health is inextricably linked to the well-being of marine ecosystems, which, in turn, are crucial
for the livelihoods of communities depending on them. Among the various elements comprising the marine
environment, seabed habitats play an indispensable role for nature and food supply. In order to harvest
seafood from the bottom of the sea, fishers use a wide range of fishing gears adapted to each fishery and
area. Mobile bottom fishing remains widespread in EU waters delivering 25% of total European seafood
landings.
The EU has experienced a generalized recovery of demersal fish stocks due to the widespread reduction of
fishing effort and the continued improvement of fishing techniques. Nonetheless, as part of the European
Commission's action plan, active bottom fishing gears are branded as "the most damaging activity to the
seabed", calling into question its use and sustainability, particularly in Natura 2000 sites and other Marine
Protected Areas (MPAs). At the same time, 70 % of seafood consumed in Europe is imported and there is a
need to produce more seafood products to feed the growing population in line with climate change
requirements.
This event will explore the key scientific research on bottom trawling sustainability and compatibility with
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). It will also look at the trade-offs between the environmental impact of
fisheries and seafood security / self-sufficiency.
The event will bring together leading scientists on seabed habitats and bottom fishing, along with representatives from the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and the Directorate-General for Environment (DG Environment), key stakeholders from the fishing sector and civil society.
Panelists will articulate their unique perspectives on the optimal way to strike a balance between the priorities of environmental preservation, social well-being, economic prosperity, and the production of food resources. This event aims to foster a comprehensive dialogue and facilitate the formulation of sustainable policies that can address bottom fishing practices in European waters.

Contact: Ilias Grampas, Deputy Director, EBCD
Secretariat of the EP Intergroup on "Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development"
E-mail: ilias.grampas@ebcd.org – Tel: +32 2 230 30 70