The European Union General Court has upheld restrictions on deep-sea fishing in the northeast Atlantic, rejecting a legal challenge from the Spanish government and fishing sector. The 2022 regulation, which bans bottom trawling below 800 metres and limits the use of most fishing gear below 400 metres in 87 ecologically sensitive areas, remains in effect.
The contested regulation applies to regions off the coasts of Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and France, covering around 2,000 square miles. The restrictions aim to protect fragile deep-sea ecosystems and species that are slow to reproduce and vulnerable to overfishing, such as red seabream, black scabbardfish, and particular shark species.
Spain had argued that the rulemaking process failed to account for the economic impact on its fishing communities properly and questioned the scientific methods used to determine affected areas and gear types. However, the court found that the European Commission acted within its legal remit and was justified in prioritising environmental protections without reassessing the economic implications or differentiating between gear types.
The ruling allows the European Commission to continue using scientific input from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea in determining future conservation areas. Industry groups warned the decision could harm longline fisheries and reduce overall catch volumes, which dropped 30% after the rule took effect.
The case may still be appealed to the European Court of Justice.