Bottom trawling in European waters releases millions of tons of carbon dioxide annually by disturbing seabed sediments. A recent study indicates that the social and environmental costs of this fishing method far outweigh the industry profits, costing society up to 16 billion euros per year. Beyond carbon emissions, the practice destroys critical marine habitats and results in significant bycatch of whales and dolphins. Researchers are calling for a ban on bottom trawling in protected areas to help marine ecosystems regenerate and reduce global emissions.
