Trawl Fishing’s Environmental Toll Revealed

Trawl fishing devastates seafloor ecosystems and releases stored carbon, according to new research. Learn about the impact of bottom trawling on marine life ...

Editorial Desk

October 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — Trawl fishing, a method that involves dragging large nets across the ocean floor, has become a cornerstone of global commercial fisheries due to its efficiency in catching vast quantities of seafood.

However, this practice comes at a significant environmental cost. The heavy gear used in bottom trawling can destroy delicate seafloor habitats, including corals and sponges, which are crucial for supporting marine biodiversity. It also results in substantial bycatch, with many unintended species being discarded dead at sea.

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A recent study highlights the additional concern of carbon emissions from trawling. Disturbing seafloor sediments can release stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Scientists are working to understand the full extent of these impacts and their implications for the planet.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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Editorial Desk

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