Deutsche Umwelthilfe Sues Over Bottom Trawling in North Sea
Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V. has initiated legal action against bottom trawling activities in the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park. The environmental group seeks a ban on the destructive fishing method.
The environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V. (DUH) has launched legal proceedings against the practice of bottom trawling in the German Wadden Sea National Park. DUH alleges that this fishing method, primarily used for catching North Sea shrimp, causes significant damage to the region's sensitive marine ecosystem and its biodiversity.
According to DUH, bottom trawls, equipped with heavy metal skids and chains, are dragged across the seabed for over 36,000 hours annually. This practice destroys vital habitats such as sand coral reefs, oyster and mussel beds, and seagrass meadows. The degradation of these habitats directly impacts fish populations and reduces food sources for species like harbor porpoises and seabirds.
DUH criticizes the national park administration and state authorities for failing to conduct mandatory environmental impact assessments for this type of fishery. Through the lawsuit, the organization demands a ban on bottom trawling within the national park to protect and restore the marine protected area.
The environmental group emphasizes the Wadden Sea's importance as a nursery and breeding ground for numerous fish species, underscoring that its ecological health affects the entire North Sea. Furthermore, disturbing the seabed releases stored carbon, exacerbating the climate crisis.