To mark World Oceans Day today (8 June) Patagonia is launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the impact of bottom trawling on the ocean.
In collaboration with NGO partners Bloom, Blue Ventures, ClientEarth, Environmental Justice Foundation and Seas at Risk, the outdoor apparel brand has released a series of eight short documentary films that showcase the need to protect our oceans.
Bottom trawling is a technique used to catch large amounts of fish at once by dragging nets along seabeds, which can cause damage to marine plant life and increase carbon emissions.
As the plants the method damages absorb carbon in the atmosphere, the process invariable contributes to the global rise in carbon dioxide emissions.
Patagonia have launched a petition calling for an end to the practise in all marine-protected areas (where there is greater regulation to protect key ocean ecosystems).
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The films which will run across Europe this summer include For the Love of the Sea (a story about the first regenerative ocean farm in Wales Câr y Môr), Madre Mar (which follows marine biologist Raquel Gaspar) and The Custodians (a film about four locals from the West Coast of Scotland reclaiming their natural coastlines and restoring wildlife).
The screenings will be accompanied by a series of free events with expert panellists, music and stories.
“Throughout my life, I have always felt connected to the ocean, from my early career as a ship engineer to later being a crew mate on a Sea Shepherd Boat, fighting whale hunting in Antartica,” said Patagonia EMEA environmental action and initiatives director Beth Thoren.
“But I am not alone. Wherever we are, every second breath we take comes from the ocean. It’s imperative that we protect this fragile and precious resource, so it can protect us.”
He continued: “Our European leaders have the power in their hands to make lasting positive change by stopping bottom trawling and supporting a just transition to practices that restore the ocean.
“We’re asking our defenders everywhere, from surfers, swimmers and those who simply love to walk or paddle at the beach, to coastal communities and fishers to link arms and send the message that we care.”
