Dutch Court Orders Halt to Illegal Trawling in EU Protected Waters
Netherlands violated Habitats Directive by allowing bottom trawling in marine conservation zones, judges rule.
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A Dutch court has rebuked the Netherlands government for breaching EU environmental law by permitting trawling operations in protected waters.
Judges found the country violated the Habitats Directive, which designates marine areas off-limits to bottom trawling due to its destructive impact on seabed ecosystems. The ruling represents a significant enforcement action against member state non-compliance with EU conservation standards.
Environmental groups have long contested the Netherlands' practice of issuing permits for industrial fishing in designated protection zones. The court's decision could force a revision of fishing policies across multiple EU member states operating similar operations in protected areas.