Latest news with #HabitatsDirective
Euronews
3 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
EU faces new legal action over bottom trawling in protected areas
EU leaders are facing a fresh legal complaint over widespread destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs). The lawyers behind it say that continuing to permit this activity goes against the bloc's core nature laws and puts the ocean and people in grave danger. Bottom trawling is a destructive fishing practice which involves dragging a net - some so large it could fit a Boeing 747 plane - across the seafloor to catch fish. It disturbs sediment, destroys marine habitats and far more than just the target species gets caught in these nets. The complaint is being brought to the European Commission by a coalition of non-profit organisations: ClientEarth, Oceana, Seas at Risk and Danmarks Naturfredningsforening. It points out persistent instances of unchallenged bottom trawling in three countries: Denmark, the Netherlands and Spain. The challenge claims that destructive fishing practices in MPAs in these member states flout the EU Habitats Directive and calls on EU officials to launch infringement action against the countries in question. The Habitats Directive requires Natura 2000 MPAs - the most important network of marine protected areas in Europe - to be protected from any activity likely to significantly affect the integrity of the site. 'Legally speaking, bottom trawling in protected areas is not legal, and if policymakers don't live up to their obligations, we will bring them before court,' says Tobias Troll, marine policy director from Seas at Risk. ClientEarth ocean lawyer John Condon adds that 'urgent action' is needed at the EU level to confirm that bottom trawling is against EU law, alongside an 'immediate response' from governments. This legal challenge is the latest in a string of litigation across the EU over bottom trawling in MPAs. Individual national cases have so far been launched in France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden and Germany. In April, another group of NGOs filed a similar legal complaint with the EU, alleging breaches of the EU Habitats Directive by Italy, France and Germany. 'This complaint, and others like it, reveal a systemic problem across Europe and one that member states have failed to address for years now, contrary to their legal obligations under EU law,' explains Nicolas Fournier, campaign director for marine protection at Oceana in Europe. The new legal challenge also comes hot off the heels of a crucial judgment from the EU's General Court in May, which confirmed that protected areas must be protected from potentially harmful practices like bottom trawling. The Commission concluded that countries have every right under EU law to ban damaging fishing methods like this in vulnerable marine areas. Some EU countries, like Greece and Sweden, have already announced plans for national legislation to ban bottom trawling in protected areas within their territories. The EU's 2023 Marie Action Plan calls on member states to phase out bottom trawling in all MPAs by 2030. But recent research from NGOs Oceana, Seas At Risk and ClientEarth revealed that no EU country currently has a comprehensive plan in place to phase out destructive fishing practices in these protected areas. And a study published in March this year by Pristine Seas found that around 60 per cent of these vulnerable marine areas in the EU are currently being trawled. With the UN set to host its Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on 9 June and the EU expected to release its strategy to promote a sustainable and competitive blue economy in the next few days, pressure is mounting for more comprehensive ocean protection. Campaigns calling for action on destructive fishing practices in the EU have been backed by fishermen and hundreds of thousands of Europeans. 'The world is waiting for leaders at UNOC to defend the ocean, and make sure protected genuinely means protected,' adds noted MPA defender and founder of the Mediterranean Conservation Society, Zafer Kızılkaya. 'Fishers depend on it - communities depend on it - the world depends on it.'
Agriland
24-05-2025
- General
- Agriland
NPWS seeks tenders for freshwater pearl mussel monitoring
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is currently seeking tenders for a project to monitor and survey the freshwater pearl mussel. The freshwater pearl mussel is an exceptionally long-lived and slow-growing species that is only found in extremely clean water. The record for the longest-living pearl mussel is around 140 years. The species commonly reaches over 100-years-of-age, making it Ireland's longest-living animal. Unfortunately, the mussel is considered to be critically endangered in Ireland and Europe, and its conservation status was assessed as 'bad' when reported under the Habitats Directive in 2007, 2013, and again in 2019. Pearl mussel Monitoring of the pearl mussel in Ireland was first initiated in 2004, with baseline and repeat monitoring ongoing ever since. In order to comply with requirements under the Habitats Directive and the European Communities Ecological Objectives, the NPWS is proposing to appoint a tenderer to carry out surveys of the species. The successful tenderer will survey and monitor approximately 31 freshwater pearl mussel populations, across 44 monitoring events, over six field seasons from 2025- 2030 The priority reference freshwater pearl mussel populations (Owenriff and Bundorragha) will be monitored annually, while the remaining 29 populations will be monitored at least once over the course of the project. A brief annual summary report on progress will be expected by the NPWS in October of each year, along with full site-specific monitoring reports. The NPWS said that tenderers must include the relevant qualifications and experience of the individual(s) undertaking each task. The deadline for the submission of tenders for the contract valued at €505,000, excluding VAT, is 5:00p.m on June 2, 2025.
The Journal
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael MEPs vote to allow wolf culling and hunting in Europe
FIANNA FÁIL AND Fine Gael MEPs voted yesterday to downgrade the protected status of wolves, allowing wolf culling and hunting under limited criteria. The vote to weaken protections for wolves comes three years after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen's family pony was killed by a wolf – leading to suggestions her European People's Party's campaign for this change was a personal matter for her. Fine Gael is part of Von der Leyen's political group. Grey wolves were virtually exterminated in Europe 100 years ago, but their numbers have recovered to a current population of 20,000, mostly in the Balkans, Nordic countries, Italy and Spain. Conservationists have warned the legal change could undo decades of progress, and have warned that the wolf population remains fragile in most of Europe. Ireland does not have wild wolves – although the Green Party famously called for their reintroduction in 2019. Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly also voted in favour of the European Commission proposal, which was carried by 371 votes to 162 with 37 abstentions. The change has already been approved in principle by member states, who will need to rubber-stamp it again before it can enter force. 'Dangerous precedent' Sinn Féin and Labour MEPs, along with Independent Michael McNamara, voted against the measure. Luke 'Ming' Flanagan was not present. Lynn Boylan of Sinn Féin said the vote set a dangerous precedent that protections under the Habitats Directive, the EU's flagship conservation law, could be eroded. 'In Ireland we have other protected species. This could be the thin edge of the wedge,' Boylan said. She added that she did not believe Brussels' proposal was based on sound science. However, Irish MEPs who backed the European Commission proposal said they believed the measure was based on scientific data, and noted that member states could choose to retain the strictest protection for wolves. Either way, governments will be required to continue to monitor the species' conservation status. Commission president Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the vote's outcome. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Farmers' reality Fianna Fáil's Billy Kelleher said EU action has brought wolves back from near extinction to the point where there is very high density in some areas, particularly in central Europe. Advertisement 'This is causing major challenges for livestock farmers,' Kelleher said. 'Culling of wild animals is part and parcel of responsible and sustainable wild animal conservation practices.' Barry Cowen of Fianna Fáil said member states needed flexibility to balance conservation with the 'realities' faced by farmers, with Thursday's landslide vote indicating those realities had been heard 'loud and clear'. Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty said: 'A high wolf population can be a threat to biodiversity conservation, farmers, rural communities and tourism.' Michael McNamara said he had opposed the proposal because it was not underpinned by science. 'Obviously, Ursula von der Leyen's pony met a tragic end with wolves. But I found no scientific basis or information on which to base the decision,' McNamara said. 'I appreciate it might be an issue for farmers, but anyone who thinks that this decision is going to result in a cull of badgers or something, unless Ursula von der Leyen's cat is killed by a badger, I don't see that happening.' Members of the Bern Convention, tasked with the protection of wildlife in Europe as well as some African countries, agreed in December to lower the wolf's status from 'strictly protected' to 'protected'. The EU was the driving force behind the push to lower the Bern Convention protections, arguing that the increase in wolf numbers has led to more frequent contact with humans and livestock. The Bern downgrade came into force in March, and Brussels moved immediately to revise EU law to reflect the change. Conservationists say wolves' status remains fragile Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Welcomed by Von der Leyen Thursday's vote was carried by conservative, centrist and hard-right groups, with green and left-wing parties opposing it. Commission president Von der Leyen welcomed the results of the vote saying: 'With growing wolf concentrations in some areas, we should give authorities more flexibility to find balanced solutions between the aim to protect biodiversity and the livestock of local farmers.' Environmental groups have condemned the parliament's decision, with a coalition of NGOs branding the measure 'a political move disguised as policy'. To date, there have been no human casualties linked to rising wolf populations in Europe, but some MEPs indicated farmers live with this fear hanging over them. With reporting from AFP. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Agriland
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Agriland
European Parliament changes protection status of wolves
The European Parliament has changed the EU's wolf protection status from 'strictly protected' to 'protected', to align it with the Bern Convention. With 371 votes for, 162 against and 37 abstentions, the parliament supported the European Commission's proposal for a targeted change of the Habitats Directive. The commission's proposal to alter the protection status of wolves in the EU came following a push from parliament for it. Member states will now have greater flexibility in managing their wolf populations to improve coexistence with humans and to minimise the impact of a growing wolf population in the EU. They will also be better able to take measures that are adapted to particular regional circumstances, according to the parliament. Among those in the parliament who voted for the change in status are MEPs who are members of the European People's Party grouping, which includes Irish Fine Gael MEPs. EPP group spokesman in the parliament's Agriculture Committee, Herbert Dorfmann MEP said: 'Farmers can now breathe a sigh of relief. We have listened to their concerns and delivered real change at the European level to address today's reality and protect rural livelihoods. 'The Habitats Directive has been a clear success, helping the wolf population recover from near extinction to over 20,000 individuals across the continent. 'But now it's time to adapt to today's reality. This means balancing our conservation efforts with protecting farmers,' Dorfmann added. Protection status of wolves Member states must continue to ensure the wolf's favourable conservation status and may continue to list the wolf as a strictly protected species in national legislation, and to have stricter measures in place for its protection. The European Parliament agreed on Tuesday (May 6) to deal with the file under its urgent procedure, effectively 'fast-tracking' it. To enter into force, the draft law now requires formal approval by the European Council, which endorsed the same text on April 16, 2025. The directive will enter into force 20 days after it has been published in the EU Official Journal. Member states will then have 18 months to comply. According to the commission, there are over 20,000 wolves in Europe, and their populations and ranges are growing. This conservation success story has however led to increasing conflicts with human activities in some regions, in particular concerning livestock, it added. Previously, president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has said that the comeback of wolves is good news for biodiversity in Europe, but the concentration of wolf packs in some regions has become 'a real danger especially for livestock'.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
European Parliament votes to lower protections on wolves
BARCELONA (AP) — Lawmakers in Europe voted Thursday to downgrade protections for wolves across the European Union's 27 states in a victory for farmers over environmentalists. Nearly two-thirds of the European Parliament meeting in Strasbourg, France voted to change wolves' status from 'strictly protected' to 'protected' in a vote of 371 to 162, with 37 abstentions. Centrist and right-wing groups celebrated the vote. 'Farmers can now breathe a sigh of relief," said Herbert Dorfmann, a spokesperson for the European People's Party, a coalition of center-right groups in the EU. Right-wing Dutch politician Sander Smit said on Twitter: 'This is fantastic news." Environmental groups criticized the decision as politically motivated rather than scientifically grounded. 'This is a sad day for biodiversity and wild animals,' said Léa Badoz at the Eurogroup for Animals. Joanna Swabe, a spokesperson for Humane World for Animals, called for individual governments to increase national protection for wolves. Politician Jutta Paulus from the parliament's Greens party said the campaign to reduce the wolves' protection 'borrows from the Donald Trump playbook' and 'ignores scientific evidence and attacks legislation which has been proven to work for decades for no clear gain other than the scoring of cheap populistic points." Tuesday's vote was the final real hurdle before the measure becomes EU law. The change to the central Habitats Directive law will now likely be passed swiftly by the European Council and enter into force across the 27 member states. Once deemed necessary to combat threats to the apex predator, restrictions on hunting wolves have over the past few years lost public support as many EU environmental rules and regulations have come under pressure in recent years. Populist and extreme-right parties have criticized the measures as being thought up by urban elites with little knowledge of rural life. Farmers in many member states have been increasingly angered by attacks on livestock by packs of wolves that have thrived in woods and fields close to agricultural land. The political movement to ease rules on killing wolves was given top-level support by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. An ardent fan of horses, von der Leyen had a pony Dolly that was killed by a wolf three years ago. Last year, more than 50 European nations from Turkey to Iceland voted to change the biodiversity treaty known as the Bern Convention to curtail protections for wolves. Experts and environmental groups estimate there could be up to 19,000 wolves across Europe, with large populations thought to roam in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania and Spain. After nearly being wiped out in the 20th century, their numbers are estimated to have grown by at least 25% over the last decade. Programs around the world to protect wolves have been shown to benefit local ecosystems. Yellowstone National Park in the United States said reintroducing wolves in 1995 had led to a better regulated food chain that helped drive a bump in forest cover and animal populations. Yet American states like Wyoming and Montana have passed similar bills allowing for more killing of wolves, driven as in Europe by politics mixing agitated farmers and safety concerns. 'Wolves are vital to healthy ecosystems, but today's vote treats them as a political problem, not an ecological asset', said Ilaria Di Silvestre, Director of Policy and Advocacy for Europe at International Fund for Animal Welfare. 'The EU was once proud to lead on nature protection. Now we are seeing vital species like the wolf sacrificed for short-term political interests that will benefit no one.'
