The General Court of the European Union (GCEU) has dismissed appeals by the Spanish government and fishing organizations against the European Commission's designation of 87 protected marine areas in the Atlantic. These zones, covering 16,000 square kilometers from Ireland to Spain, were closed to fixed bottom longline fishing in October 2022 to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. The decision has sparked frustration among fishing communities, particularly in Galicia, where the ports of Vigo and Burela report significant economic impacts.
The ruling reaffirms the European Commission's authority to implement fishing restrictions based on the need to protect marine biodiversity, despite objections from the fishing sector. The court found that Spain and the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that fixed fishing gear lacks adverse effects on vulnerable ecosystems. This decision underscores the EU's commitment to its deep-sea fishing regulations, which aim to balance ecological preservation with sustainable fishing practices.
Environmental organizations, including Ecologistas en Acción and the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, have hailed the verdict as a victory for marine conservation. They argue that the protected areas are essential for safeguarding deep-sea ecosystems, which are critical to the ocean's health and future fisheries. These groups are now calling on Spain and Portugal to fully comply with the EU's deep-sea fishing regulations to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources.
The fishing industry, however, warns of the socio-economic repercussions of the court's decision. With Galicia's fishing sector already experiencing a decline in fresh fish landings, stakeholders are urging the European Commission to reassess the protected zones. They argue for a more nuanced approach that considers the latest scientific data and minimizes economic disruption while still protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems.
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