Study Finds Climate Costs of Bottom Trawling Far Outweigh Fishing Profits
Similar Articles
Scotland's Marine Protected Area Shows Dramatic Recovery of Seabed Life
Major Meat and Dairy Companies' Environmental Claims Found to Be Greenwashing
Study Finds Wastewater Pollution Higher Inside Many Marine Protected Areas
International Body Rejects Proposal to Double Antarctic Krill Catch
Ocean Philanthropy Funding Has Doubled Since 2010 but Growth Has Flattened
A new study reveals the climate costs associated with bottom trawling are up to 90 times higher than the fishing industry's profits from the practice. The research estimates the net cost for Europeans ranges between 2 billion and 16 billion euros annually. Bottom trawl and dredge fisheries provide more than 25% of global wild-caught seafood.
Facts First
- Climate costs of bottom trawling are up to 90 times higher than the industry's annual profits.
- Net cost for Europeans is estimated at 2–16 billion euros per year, factoring in economic benefits like employment.
- CO2 emissions from disturbing seabed sediment cost 4.87–18 billion euros annually, contributing to reduced agriculture and health problems.
- Bottom trawling releases stored seabed carbon by dragging heavy gear along the ocean floor.
- The practice provides over 25% of global wild-caught fish despite its significant environmental cost.
What Happened
A new study has quantified the economic disparity between the profits from bottom trawling and its associated climate costs. Europe's fishing industry generates approximately 180 million euros in annual profits from this practice, which involves dragging heavy gear along seabeds. The study found the climate costs can be up to 90 times higher than these profits. The CO2 emissions released from disturbing seabed sediment are calculated to cost between 4.87 billion euros and 18 billion euros ($5.7 billion to $21 billion) annually. When economic benefits are factored in, the net cost of bottom trawling for Europeans is estimated to be between 2 billion euros and 16 billion euros ($2.3 billion and $19 billion) per year.
Why this Matters to You
The carbon released by bottom trawling contributes to climate impacts that may directly affect your life, including reduced agricultural productivity and human health problems. The scale of the economic disparity suggests that the current price of seafood likely does not reflect its true environmental cost. As a consumer, you may be indirectly subsidizing a practice with significant hidden climate impacts. This research could inform future policy decisions that might affect seafood availability, pricing, or the health of marine ecosystems you value.
What's Next
The study's cost calculations provide a concrete economic framework for policymakers. This data could lead to increased scrutiny and potential regulation of bottom trawling practices to account for their full climate impact. The finding that these fisheries provide more than 25% of global wild-caught fish suggests any policy changes would need to carefully balance food security with environmental sustainability.