Latest news with #Natura2000
Euronews
2 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
21-05-2025
- Science
- Agriland
NPWS events to celebrate Irish Natura 2000 sites
Some of the country's most valuable sites for nature are being celebrated today (Wednesday, May 21) to mark Natura 2000 day. The Natura 2000 Network includes over 27,000 protected sites across the European Union, covering nearly 20% of Europe's land and almost 10% of its marine waters. It is the world's largest network of protected sites. Ireland is home to more than 600 Natura 2000 sites, which protect a wide range of valuable habitats and species under the EU Habitats Directive Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and the Birds Directive Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Natura 2000 To mark Natura 2000 day, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is supporting Bioblitzes and other events in Natura sites around the country. Bioblitzes bring together scientists and citizen scientists to record as many species as possible in a short time at a Natura 2000 site. During the week NPWS staff are hosting bioblitzes at sites including St Gobnet's Wood SAC in Co. Cork, Connemara National Park, Coole Park in Co. Galway, and Killarney National Park in Co. Kerry. Speaking on Natura 2000 Day, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan encouraged members of the public to discover their local Natura 2000 site. 'The Natura 2000 network includes some of the finest examples of habitats and species we have in this country and in Europe. 'It is a network of protected sites which highlights the biodiverse and unique natural heritage in Ireland and in Europe. 'Conservation is a shared responsibility and today is an opportunity for everyone to learn about a site near you and how it is being managed and protected for future generations,' he said. Restoration The minister said that Natura 2000 Day is also an opportunity to recognise the restoration work that landowners and the NPWS are undertaking together on these sites. These include projects focused on actively restoring raised and blanket bog habitat designated as SACs under the Habitats Directive. Recent surveys are showing significant positive trends in respect of raised bog sites, which are beginning to move towards more favourable conservation condition. Old Oak woodland is being restored in Glen of the Downs SAC, Co. Wicklow by removing the invasive alien species Cherry Laurel, and Lapwing are being protected in Co. Mayo in the Termoncarragh lake and Annagh Machair SPA. Niall Ó Donnchú, director general with the NPWS, said the Natura 2000 network is 'a central part of our natural heritage in Ireland'. 'Many of the sites in the network in Ireland are in public ownership and are accessible, for example, our national parks, while other sites are in private ownership. 'The landowners and stakeholders in all the sites in Ireland are working together to protect and restore these vitally important habitats and species. 'Natura 2000 Day is a reminder of the diverse and unique natural heritage we have and can be proud of in Ireland,' he said.
Irish Independent
19-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Planning sought for new motorhome park in New Ross
The application submits that the proposed site at Marshmeadows will 'enhance the town as a destination for visitors, in line with proposals contained in the New Ross Town Centre First Plan'. The application was submitted on Wednesday, April 30, and seeks permission for a modern 23-bay motorhome park with drinking water, sewerage, and waste facilities, along with lighting, landscaping, controlled access, and ancillary works. The proposed site is close to the Oaklands Roundabout, directly opposite New Ross Garda Station, which will 'offer oversight and security', according to the application. Meanwhile, both entrances – the main entrance and a second entrance for pedestrian access at the rear of the park – will be restricted by coded access. Also to the rear of the park, is an open-sided stretch tent for a seating and dining area. Each individual plot size is approximately 120 metres-squared and has access to potable water, electric supply and WiFi. Each area will also have a picnic table and barbeque unit. A screening report carried out by SWC Promotions found that the proposed development is 'unlikely to adversely impact' both the conservation objectives and the integrity of the River Barrow and River Nore Natura 2000. Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, may be made in writing on or before Wednesday, June 11 to the Planning Department of Wexford County Council.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Kerry coastal community stands proudly over precious dune system rescued from brink of obliteration
It's an inspiring exemplar of what can be done in the face of human activity, coastal erosion and climate change in general. The Maharees community-led collaboration which has paid sand dune dividends, has been supported by a host of state agencies, the local authority Kerry County Council, universities and NGOs. An aerial shot of the area known as Magherabeg Cut (right) has shown dramatic recovery of the dune which had been seriously degraded from unmanaged access from beach users and demonstrates how simple actions like not walking on sand dunes can make them more resilient to storm damage. Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald said: 'Kerry County Council collaborates with communities like Maharees to advance environmental conservation through initiatives such as dune restoration and sustainable tourism strategies. Supported by MD members, the Maharees Conservation Association successfully preserved and nurtured the sand dunes in Magherabeg, Maharees. Chair of Maharees Conservation Association CLG, Aidan O'Connor said: 'We are so proud of the dune recovery here that we wanted to thank all of our partners who worked with us to achieve it over the last nine years. Without support from Kerry County Council, NPWS, University of Galway, Munster Technological University, Clean Coasts and the Dingle Hub we would probably be a news story for all the wrong reasons as our main road would undoubtedly be at risk without these sand dunes.' William Hunt, District Conservation Officer, NPWS said: 'The Maharees Dune Restoration Project serves as a positive example of the significant benefits that can be achieved for both nature and local communities when operating within the regulations of Natura 2000 sites. 'Led by the Maharees Conservation Association, with support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, community efforts have successfully increased the coverage of marram grass on previously bare patches of sand. This has resulted in enhanced dune stabilisation and improved biodiversity levels. 'This initiative is a win not only for nature and the delicate ecosystems supported by these dunes but also for the local communities in Tralee Bay, who depend on the dunes for protection against storm events.' Killian Kelly, Wildlife Biology lecturer at MTU said: 'MTU is delighted to be a long-term collaborator with Maharees Conservation Association, working alongside NPWS, Kerry County Council and the community of the Maharees and West Kerry. ADVERTISEMENT 'Public events, student research projects, and hands on habitat management, provide excellent opportunities teaching and learning for our Wildlife Biology programme, while at the same time contributing to and engaging with communities around the county.' Deirdre de Bhailís, General Manager, Dingle Hub said: 'At Dingle Hub, we're immensely proud to partner with the Maharees Conservation Association through our 'Neart na Machairí project. 'The vital work being done to regenerate these dune systems represents not just environmental protection but community resilience in action. Their success demonstrates how local knowledge, passion and collaboration can create meaningful solutions to the pressing challenges of coastal erosion and climate change.'
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
France, Germany and Italy failing to stop destructive fishing: NGOs
Destructive fishing continues in EU waters (Image: AFP) BRUSSELS: Five environmental organisations accused France, Germany and Italy on Tuesday of failing to stop destructive fishing , including bottom trawling, in protected areas in a legal complaint to the European Commission. In their complaint, the organisations including the Environmental Justice Foundation and ClientEarth accused the three countries of "seriously and systemically failing to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems in violation of EU law ". Deep-sea bottom trawling -- where a weighted net is dragged along the seabed, which critics say seriously damages ecosystems in the process -- risks wiping out ocean wildlife and hurting the future of fishing communities in Europe , the groups said. They found that bottom trawling currently took place in 77 per cent of France's protected marine Natura 2000 sites , in 85 per cent of Germany's and in 44 per cent of Italy's. "The joint complaint focuses on 15 marine Natura 2000 sites where extensive evidence shows bottom trawling continues unchecked on an industrial scale, damaging sensitive habitats such as reefs, seagrass beds, and sandbanks," the organisations said. There is ongoing national legal action against the activities in France and Germany, and ClientEarth has taken similar action in the Netherlands and Spain. Under EU law, the commission can assess the complaint and decide either to do nothing or open infringement proceedings against the member states concerned. Although unlikely to lead to strong EU action, the complaint raises the issue ahead of next month's United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, southeastern France. "The complaint at the European level is a lengthy procedure, but it is a strategic lever to show the scale of the problem," said Marie Colombier of the Environmental Justice Foundation. The EU has called on member states to phase out bottom fishing in all protected marine areas by 2030. Europeche, which represents the interests of the EU fishing industry, said it "regrets" the complaint. "The use of bottom trawls in marine protected areas (MPAs) must be assessed through site-specific impact studies," it said in a statement. "Imposing the same bans everywhere would be tantamount to denying the complexity and diversity of marine protected areas," it said, and "would also have major consequences for our self-sufficiency and food sovereignty in Europe and France".
