A Call for Rational, Science-Based Decision Making

It is important to remind that there are a multitude of categories of MPAs (more than 11 in France) which meet specific and different objectives, ranging from protecting seabed habitats, protecting cetaceans or protecting bird species, etc. Not all MPAs pursue the goal to suppress all human activities, as BLOOM falsely claims; only few MPAs are indeed defined as no-take zones. The regulation must therefore mirror this reality.

The industry is more than open to regulation of economic activities in MPAs but calls for a science-based decision-making process and a selective and specific approach rather than global one as some NGOs are demanding. This case-by-case approach for MPAs is mandated by EU environmental legislation such as Natura2000 and underlined by both the European Commissioner for Oceans & Fisheries, Costas Kadis and the French Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forestry, Sea and Fisheries, Agnès Pannier-Runacher.

A Campaign built on inaccuracies

The methodology used by the NGO is both structurally inaccurate and unreliable. As such, the report is riddled with errors, falsely accusing vessels of illegally fishing in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), thus demonstrating Bloom’s lack of knowledge and serious scientific work on the matter. Here are a few examples of the most shocking inaccuracies:

The use of AIS data to identify “trawling activity” in MPAs.

• This could not be more wrong:  the use of Automatic Identification System (AIS) says nothing of the activities carried out by a boat, it simply helps locate it. As such, a vessel transiting through an MPA to reach its targeted fishing zone outside the MPA is accused of illegal fishing activities in MPAs by the NGO.

Flawed metrics

• The NGO uses the speed of the boats navigating in MPAs as evidence of fishing activities. This demonstrates a serious lack of knowledge of the issue: numerous MPAs have speed limits in place for safety and security reasons, which explains the recorded low speed of boats crossing them.

Lack of knowledge

• Finally, Bloom accuses several boats of illegal fishing in MPAs while the said MPAs have no fishing restriction for all fishing or marine activities. Even more astonishing, the list includes non-fishing vessels, such as a Belgian research ship.

Europêche remains committed to open dialogue and urges policymakers to base decisions on scientific evidence and sustainable management principles, rather than misleading activist campaigns. 

Ivan Lopez, Europêche reacted: “We are not surprised to see that Bloom’s report is riddled with inaccuracies, it has become a habit for them. As always, Europeche will continue its relentless fight against inaccuracies and destabilization attempts of the industry by radical activists through a scientific, open and transparent approach.”

Press contact:

Daniel Voces | daniel.voces@europeche.org | +32 489 26 81 07

EP Press Release – Campaign against Trawling

The allegations are particularly troubling given their potential implications for industries like fishing, which are already facing immense regulatory and economic pressures. Policies tied to the Green Deal, including the Nature Restoration Law, have profound consequences for Europe’s fishing communities. These will require drastic measures such as further closures of traditional fishing grounds. If public funds were indeed used to support campaigns aimed at influencing policies in this sector, such actions could have compromised the integrity and impartiality of decision-making within the EU.

As an example, Europêche points to the increasing number of NGO-led campaigns against bottom fishing, which is a legal, certified and well-regulated fishing method in Europe. Many of these campaigns appear to advocate for an outright ban on the practice rather than pursuing opportunities for improvement or collaboration with the fishing sector. Furthermore, similar lobbying initiatives appear to have received financial support from the Commission, such as the NGO “Blue Manifesto 2024” or campaigns criticising quota systems of selected Member States.

Europêche calls on the Commission to provide immediate clarification on whether public funds were used to finance NGOs tasked with influencing the adoption of the Green Deal. This includes identifying the organizations involved, their specific objectives and the amounts of funding they received. Clear information is essential to restoring confidence in the policymaking process.

In light of the gravity of the allegations, Europêche also calls on the Commission and the Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to launch an independent investigation. This inquiry should establish the facts, determine whether any breaches of democratic principles have occurred and propose corrective measures to prevent similar issues in the future.

Until these clarifications are provided and the situation is resolved, Europêche recommends pausing any decisions that might be influenced by these alleged practices. Continuing to implement policies adopted under a potentially compromised system, risks endorsing practices that EU institutions, particularly the Commission, regularly criticize when observed in other states or institutions. Javier Garat, President of Europêche, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating: ‘These allegations, if substantiated, would constitute a major breach of democratic principles and a betrayal of the trust placed in the European environmental policies adopted during the previous legislative term. Our fishers, who already face immense challenges adapting to Green Deal policies, deserve decision-making processes that are transparent, impartial and accountable.’

The fishing industry, which contributes significantly to Europe’s food security and coastal economies, cannot bear the brunt of policies shaped by radical environmental proposals pushed by undisclosed lobbying efforts.

Europêche reiterates its support for environmental sustainability but emphasizes that policymaking must be balanced, evidence-based and respectful of the socio-economic realities faced by European communities. As the voice of Europe’s fishing industry, Europêche demands that the Commission ensures full transparency and independence in its dealings with NGOs and other stakeholders.

ANNEX

Press Contact: 

Daniel Voces de Onaíndi, Managing Director of Europêche | Email: daniel.voces@europeche.org | Phone: +32 489 26 81

EP Press Release – NGO Funding