Strategic litigation to tackle harmful fishing practices and protect marine ecosystems in Europe

ClientEarth

ClientEarth works in over 60 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. We shape, implement and enforce the law, to build a future for our planet in which people and nature can thrive.  

We are tackling climate change, protecting nature, and stopping pollution, with partners and citizens around the globe. We hold industry and governments to account and defend everyone’s right to a healthy world. 

In Europe, ClientEarth is tackling destructive and unlawful fishing practices that continue to damage marine ecosystems despite strong legal protections. This project focuses on enforcing EU rules to stop harmful activities, such as bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), clarify legal obligations, and close persistent enforcement gaps. Through strategic litigation and legal advocacy, ClientEarth is working to secure stronger, enforceable protections for Europe’s seas and ensure that existing laws deliver real outcomes for ocean health.