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Trawler boarded in Greenpeace protest
Green Consumer Guide
29th October 2004
A controversial European Union bottom-trawling vessel was boarded by activists this week in a dramatic protest over the destructive fishing technique. Two campaigners from Greenpeace International climbed onto the Playa de Menduina’s cast net, and were then hauled aboard the deck of the vessel. While onboard, the activists unfurled banners reading ‘Deep Sea Destroyer’ and other messages.
The protest had been ongoing for three days, prior to the incident.
The technique of bottom-trawling is said to be one of the most destructive methods in fisheries practice, dredging the sea bed and destroying endangered habitats, while registering a high level of bycatch.
Talks have been ongoing this week at the United Nations between fisheries representatives and authorities over the future of commercial fishing, where a possible ban on bottom trawling is expected to on the agenda.
"The EU and all governments of the world must support a moratorium on high seas bottom trawling,” said Greenpeace campaigner Maria Jose Caballero. “The UN is currently meeting to protect deep seas from this kind of destruction and the EU is inexcusably blocking attempts to stop bottom trawlers trashing important and unique habitats.”
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