Marine Animal Welfare

Deep-Sea Trawling Welfare and Conservation Revisited

Updated evidence on the welfare and conservation impacts of deep-sea bottom trawling, and reform progress.

Key Facts

Bottom trawling disturbs approximately 15 million square kilometres of seabed annually
Deep-sea ecosystems have extremely slow recovery rates due to cold temperatures and low productivity
EU and UK regulations have banned or restricted bottom trawling in some marine protected areas
Non-target bycatch in deep-sea trawling includes vulnerable species with very low reproductive rates
Alternative fishing methods including trap and longline fisheries have significantly lower habitat impact

Welfare Considerations

Deep-sea bottom trawling causes extensive collateral damage to non-target animals and their habitats, including species with no commercial value. Animals caught as bycatch experience decompression injury, barotrauma, and stress during prolonged capture. The welfare impacts extend beyond individual suffering to population-level effects that undermine ecosystem integrity affecting billions of marine animals.

What You Can Do

Support strong implementation of MPA regulations that exclude bottom trawling
Choose seafood certified as caught by low-impact methods where available
Engage with your MP on UK implementation of deep-sea trawling restrictions
Support NGOs campaigning for stronger international deep-sea fishing regulations
Learn about the High Seas Treaty and its implications for deep-sea protection