Dutch court bans unlicensed otter trawling in protected Dogger Bank

The Dutch court's decision to ban unlicensed otter trawling in the Dogger Bank, a vital part of the North Sea, marks a significant victory for environmental advocates after a 17-year legal battle. This ruling, which declares current Dutch regulations in violation of EU biodiversity protection laws, is a crucial step towards restoring this ecologically sensitive area. The court's affirmation that the economic interests of the fishing industry do not outweigh the need for environmental protection sends a strong message.

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This is fantastic news for the North Sea. We have been battling this for seventeen years, now it is finally happening. This is the first step towards recovery. We hope other countries will follow quickly.

For organizations like Stichting Doggerland, this is not just a legal win but a beacon of hope for the North Sea's recovery. They emphasize that this is merely the first step and urge other European nations to follow suit in protecting similar marine habitats. The expectation that obtaining a permit for such fishing activities would be impossible, given the known damage caused by bottom-contact fishing gear, underscores the environmental groups' long-held stance.

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It is established that Dutch vessels are currently fishing on the Dogger Bank with bottom-contact fishing gear, without these fishermen possessing an environmental permit. This ruling implies that this constitutes a violation.

However, the fishing industry, represented by VisNed, is likely to appeal. They argue that the ban could disproportionately harm Dutch fishermen if foreign vessels are not similarly restricted. The Dogger Bank is a crucial fishing ground, with catches contributing significantly to the annual revenue of some companies. The potential financial blow to the Dutch fishing sector, estimated in the millions, highlights the deep divide between conservation goals and economic realities.

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And such a permit is impossible to draft. Because it has been known for years that otter trawling certainly causes damage, and has also caused the decline in biodiversity.