The facts about pelagic fishing

In response to Greenpeace’s recent campaign, we want to provide clear and factual information about the pelagic fishing industry to address disinformation and mistruths.

Pelagic fishing is strictly regulated, science-led, sustainable, and plays a vital role in the UK and global seafood sector.

Supertrawlers in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Greenpeace says: Large foreign supertrawlers (over 100m in length) are fishing in Scotland’s MPAs, damaging marine life and habitats

Fact: The presence of large vessels (over 100m in length) in Scotland’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) does not equate to environmental harm. The size of a fishing vessel is not directly linked to its fishing intensity or “catching power.” Large pelagic freezer trawlers are designed to carry out multiple operations at sea, including fishing, sorting, grading, freezing, packaging, and storage – functions that require significant onboard infrastructure, hence their larger size.

When designing management measures for MPAs, government agencies conduct thorough risk assessments to evaluate the potential for different fishing gears to impact protected species and habitats. Scientific studies and assessments have consistently demonstrated that pelagic fishing gear does not pose a risk to the protected features within MPAs. Unlike bottom-contacting gear, pelagic trawls operate in the water column without interacting with the seabed, minimising environmental impact. More details on the nature of pelagic gear can be found here.

Ultimately, if pelagic trawling posed a risk to protected marine environments, it would not be permitted within MPAs. Government authorities ensure that fishing activities within these areas align with conservation objectives, balancing sustainable fisheries with environmental protection.

Greenpeace says: Supertrawlers are catching hundreds of tonnes of fish daily

Fact: Factory freezer trawlers are designed to fish for certain species in large volumes to ensure operational efficiency and minimise carbon emissions. These vessels are only permitted to catch fish within limits allocated by government authorities based on scientifically assessed quotas that support sustainable fisheries management.

All catches are strictly monitored, with vessels required to submit daily electronic catch reports to fisheries authorities. This ensures full compliance with quota regulations and helps maintain the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.

Greenpeace says: There is unintentional capture of marine wildlife

Fact: There is always a risk of unintentional bycatch in any fishery. However, significant investments have been made in advanced technology and gear modifications to mitigate this risk. Modern echo sounder and sonar technology, acoustic and electromagnetic deterrent devices (“pingers”), and specialised net designs, including excluders and separators, all help marine mammals to avoid or escape capture.

Additionally, our vessel Frank Bonefaas has voluntarily participated in a government trial led by Cefas, equipping it with Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) technology, including CCTV cameras and sensors. This initiative provides up-to-date evidence of any unintentional bycatch, supporting efforts to improve bycatch reduction measures further. 

Greenpeace’s investigation and accusations

Greenpeace says: Foreign supertrawlers fished heavily in Scottish waters over the last five years, particularly near Shetland and the Hebrides

Fact: Pelagic species migrate throughout the North Eastern Atlantic and are found in Scottish waters during the fishing season. All pelagic factory freezer vessels operating in these waters are licensed and strictly regulated under fisheries management rules.

These operations are subject to rigorous control, including routine compliance inspections both at sea and ashore, to ensure adherence to regulations and sustainable fishing practices.

Greenpeace says: The UK Government is failing to protect MPAs

Fact: The UK Government has the authority to manage fishing activity within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and has implemented measures based on scientific assessments to protect sensitive marine habitats and species.

Fishing activities within MPAs are regulated through management measures assessing the risk of different fishing methods.

Greenpeace says: Supertrawlers land most of their catch abroad, bringing little economic benefit to the UK

Fact: Vessels from various nations have negotiated access to UK waters to fish for their allocated quotas of pelagic species.

UK fishing licence ‘Economic Link’ regulations ensure that UK-flagged vessels operating in English and Scottish waters provide a meaningful economic benefit to the UK. This can be met through measures such as employing UK-based crew or landing a proportion of their catch at UK ports and harbours.