seamounts

The United Nations is considering a proposal to phase out bottom trawling on seamounts, underwater mountains that host fragile and poorly understood marine ecosystems. The measure would restrict a fishing method that drags heavy nets across the seabed, damaging coral and sponge habitats. Industry and conservation groups are watching closely, as a phase-out would affect fishing fleets and could reshape deep-sea fisheries management worldwide.

Environmental commentary is highlighting the damage bottom trawlers inflict on fragile ecosystems on undersea mountains, or seamounts. The discussion raises the prospect that restrictions or a ban on the practice could finally be within reach. Conservationists argue these deep-sea habitats, rich in slow-growing marine life, take decades or centuries to recover from trawling nets.