Since 27 December 2019, pelagic trawling has been banned on the Rochebonne plateau, a remarkable sensitive natural area located 50 km off the Ile de Ré.
Since 1978, fishing had only been allowed every two years for 60 days from 1 January.
Following a public consultation launched this autumn, the prefecture of Nouvelle-Aquitaine has decided to close pelagic trawling for good.
This technique, which uses a wide-mouth, weighted net, targets “open water” species such as sea bass, tuna, sea bream and sardines.
The Rochebonne plateau is an area renowned for the richness of the life it harbours. It is a nursery and reproduction area, particularly for sea bass.
This site is very rich in fish and attracts fishermen from all over the Bay of Biscay.
The 27 December ban aims to protect sea bass and dolphins, two species that live in open water and are likely to be affected by trawls, particularly at the beginning of the year, when sea bass are breeding.
