Meeting with Commissioner Costas Kadis

When I stepped onto that bottom trawler in Spain, I never imagined it would one day lead me to the European Commission – speaking on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Europeans calling for a ban on bottom trawling in all Marine Protected Areas.

I stood alongside NGOs, scientists, and ocean advocates to hand over a petition signed by more than 250,000 people across Europe, demanding an end to bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas.

In my conversation with Commissioner Costas Kadis, I shared not just the facts – but powerful images and stories from my time aboard the trawler. It was a reminder of how powerful imagery can help people truly listen. I believe Commissioner Kadis cares about the ocean – especially as someone from an island nation. But caring isn’t enough – not anymore. Leadership means making difficult decisions. And in this moment, it means being bold. We count on his leadership.

We also need to shift the narrative: banning bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas isn’t about taking something away from fishers – it’s about protecting their future. About ensuring that this field of work remains viable in the long term.

With the UNOC approaching and the EU OceanPact soon to be released, we have a real opportunity to take a meaningful step toward ending this destructive practice in protected areas– and finally make protected areas what they’re supposed to be. Just that – protected.

Images Copyright: ©Klaudyna Brzostowska (1), © Maxime Baldewyns (2+3+4), © European Union 2025 (5+6)