Heavy nets are pulled across the ocean floor by bottom trawlers, which disrupt sediment containing carbon. Bottom trawling carbon, According to a research paper published in Nature in 2021, this practice releases around 1 billion tonnes of carbon every year, which is the same amount produced by global aviation.
How Is Carbon Emitted?
Trawling disturbs sediment, resulting in the release of some of the organic carbon as CO2. A Frontiers study in 2024 estimated that 55-60% of this CO2 will reach the atmosphere in just nine years, greatly reducing the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon.
Is This Analysis Correct?
Not necessarily. Other researchers believe that the 2021 study was inaccurate since it significantly overstated emissions, due to the fact that a large part of sea bed carbon would decompose anyway. All parties agree that trawling has adverse consequences for seafloor ecosystems, but the true impact of this practice in terms of the climate is undetermined.
What Actions Will Reduce Emissions? – bottom trawling carbon
Protecting the sea beds that are being heavily trawled, which are also rich in carbon, would minimize the disturbance, help fish populations, and help the multitude of sea bed inhabitants. Healthy oceans store carbon in many ways, as our report on whales shows.
You May Also Like
Why are seas running out of oxygen?
Read about ocean dead zones.
Should we dig up the ocean floor?
Weigh the risks of deep-sea mining.
Are coral reefs on the brink?
See what mass bleaching means for the ocean.
Why are kelp forests disappearing?
See what threatens the ocean’s underwater forests.
How does noise harm marine life?
Explore the toll of ocean noise pollution.
