Alexandra Cousteau criticizes France for ignoring bottom trawling in marine reserves

In recent months, Alexandra Cousteau, a prominent ocean advocate and granddaughter of the renowned oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, has raised alarm over France's failure to restrict bottom trawling in its marine protected areas (MPAs). Despite France's claims of having designated 30% of its waters as protected and its upcoming role as host for the United Nations Ocean Conference, an Oceana report has revealed that bottom trawling persists in 42% of these supposed sanctuaries, undermining the conservation efforts they are meant to uphold. It is revealed that around 70% of fishing vessels operating within these zones fly the French flag, indicating that local practices are significantly contributing to the degradation of marine habitats. This situation is exacerbated by the use of heavy fishing gear, such as beam trawls, which are infamous for damaging fragile ocean ecosystems. The Oceana report further illustrates the destructive consequences of bottom trawling. Reports indicate that over 100 trawlers spent more than 17,000 hours fishing within France's Marine Nature Parks, areas designated as safe havens for marine biodiversity. Cousteau expressed her dismay at seeing these impactful environments being treated as mere fishing grounds instead of protected sites. These marine habitats play a critical role in sustaining food security, local livelihoods, and fostering climate resilience, emphasizing the urgent need to reconsider the sustainability of fishing practices in light of escalating climate change concerns. Oceana's findings point toward a dire necessity for reform in France’s approach to marine conservation. Alexandra Cousteau emphasized the severity of the situation, arguing that France's inaction contradicts its historical legacy as a champion of ocean protection. The EU waters are among the most heavily trawled globally, and estimates suggest that discarded fish linked to such practices could cost the EU an economic toll of around €10.8 billion annually. Cousteau's condemnation is not solely aimed at France but highlights a broader issue affecting marine ecosystems across Europe. The implications of bottom trawling stretch beyond ecological damage, as the disturbance of seafloor sediments can lead to the remobilization of carbon, threatening the ocean's capability to absorb carbon dioxide in the future. In a clarion call for change, Cousteau advocates for a ban on bottom trawling in all of France’s marine protected areas, underscoring that doing so would not only benefit marine life but also support coastal communities reliant on healthy oceans for their livelihoods. She posits that by acting decisively against destructive fishing practices, France could set a precedent for other nations and reaffirm its commitment to marine protection. As the host of the UN’s Ocean Conference approaches, the pressure mounts for France to demonstrate global leadership by ensuring its marine protected areas indeed fulfill their roles as safe havens for marine ecosystems.