Marine scientists from around the world have signed an open letter to the United Nations (UN) calling for the protection of fragile deep-sea ecosystems, including seamounts, from the devastation caused by bottom trawling.
This call is led by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) and supported by the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO) and the Marine Conservation Institute.
In 2006, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 61/105, committing nations to identify and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs). However, bottom trawling continues to destroy these ecosystems, according to IPSO.
"This letter is a call to action from the scientific community. States have the tools required to stop this destruction and save thousands of years of history from being wiped out by bottom trawling. The science is clear: the time for action is now," explained Science Advisor at DSCC, Dr. Lissette Victorero.
To address the gaps in international ocean governance, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement was created, which is still pending ratification and entry into force.
For this reason, the signatories of this letter have urged countries to immediately fulfill the commitments made in 2006 and urgently protect VMEs, including seamounts.
"These underwater mountains are biodiversity powerhouses, home to unique communities and vital habitats that are often older than our most ancient forests. Protecting seamounts is not optional; it's imperative to deliver on existing obligations," assured Dr. Lance Morgan, President of the Marine Conservation Institute.
Finally, Director of IPSO, Mirella von Lindenfels, said: "We call on all States to fully implement their commitments, close the governance gaps, and stop authorizing destructive deep-sea bottom trawling in these irreplaceable, critical areas."
Just a few days ago, the European Union ratified the harmful impact of bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas after the German fishing group VDK attempted to overturn the new rules that restricted harmful fishing practices in parts of the North Sea.
