Toward an Ecosystem Approach to Bottom Trawling in Canada

Bottom trawling involves dragging large nets along the ocean floor,disrupting everything in their path, including corals and other marinehabitats. Due to the non-selective nature of the gear, it also capturessignificant levels of fish that are subsequently discarded as bycatch, some ofwhich are species at risk. Bottom trawling is also very fuel intensive, consumingthe greatest amount of fossil fuel per unit of fish landed of any fishing method.Canada’s approach to addressing habitat impacts from bottom trawling is narrowin scope, does not measure up to international best practices, and does not fulfillthe letter or the spirit and intent of international agreements signed by Canada.This report, by sustainable fisheries analyst Scott Wallace, offersrecommendations to reduce the ecological impact of bottom trawlingwhile still maintaining access to fisheries resources.The David Suzuki Foundation is committed to achieving sustainabilitywithin a generation. Ecosystem-based fisheries are vital to this commitment.2211 West 4th Avenue, Suite 219Vancouver, BC, Canada V6K 4S2www.davidsuzuki.orgTel 604.732.4228Fax 604.732.0752Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, processed chlorine freeDesign and production by Alaris Design