"Our study shows that bottom trawling in the North Sea is a significant source of carbon emissions," said lead researcher Dr. Richard Unsworth. "These emissions are comparable to those from other major sectors, such as agriculture or transport, and must be taken into account when setting climate change mitigation strategies."
Bottom trawling not only releases CO2 directly into the atmosphere, but it also damages the seafloor ecosystem, reducing its capacity to store carbon. In addition, it stirs up sediments, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and altering the seafloor topography, which can affect currents and weather patterns.
"The carbon emissions from bottom trawling are not only a consequence of the physical disturbance of the seafloor, but also of the way it changes the marine ecosystem," said Unsworth. "For example, bottom trawling reduces the abundance of seaweeds, which are important for absorbing carbon dioxide."
The study's findings highlight the urgent need for action to reduce the impacts of bottom trawling on climate change. Unsworth and his colleagues recommend a range of measures, including reducing the frequency and intensity of bottom trawling, and shifting to more sustainable fishing practices, such as fishing with lines or pots.
"The good news is that we can reduce the climate impacts of bottom trawling by changing how we fish," said Unsworth. "By protecting the seafloor, we can help to mitigate climate change and protect the health of our oceans."
