Driftnets: A Persistent Problem in the Mediterranean
Driftnets — vertically hanging nets that can stretch for kilometers and drift with ocean currents — have long been used to catch large pelagic species like swordfish and tuna. However, these nets are notorious for capturing and killing unintended marine wildlife, including sharks, dolphins, whales, and turtles. In the Mediterranean Sea, which faces severe threats from overfishing, pollution, and climate change, the issue has sparked decades of debate. Now, the European Union has introduced a proposal to strengthen international restrictions on driftnet fishing, aiming to close long-standing loopholes in existing regulations.
EU Proposal at ICCAT
At the technical meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) held in Brussels in June, the EU presented a proposal to tighten driftnet rules. The proposal seeks to establish clearer definitions for driftnets, prohibit their possession on vessels targeting certain species, and extend restrictions beyond the Mediterranean to parts of the Atlantic Ocean. ICCAT, the world’s largest regional fisheries management organization with 52 member parties and 4 cooperating nations, will vote on the proposal at its annual meeting in November 2026.
New Evidence of Illegal Driftnet Use
EJF Investigation in the Alboran Sea
In May, the UK-based nonprofit Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) released an investigation documenting the impact of driftnets in the Alboran Sea, an important ecological corridor between Morocco and Spain. Between August and September 2024, EJF documented 843 Moroccan vessels carrying driftnets operating from the ports of Tangier, Al Hoceima, Sidi Hsaïn, Nador, and M’Diq. The investigation found sharks, dolphins, and whales caught in large driftnets, as well as so-called “ghost nets” — lost or abandoned nets that continue to trap animals.
Jesús Urios Culiañez, EJF ocean policy officer and lead researcher, noted the impact on precious ecosystems. The EU is the largest importer of Moroccan swordfish, mostly through Spain, raising concerns that illegally caught fish may enter the European market.
Morocco’s Response
Morocco has emerged as a strong supporter of tighter driftnet regulation. In August 2025, Zakia Driouich, Morocco’s secretary of state at the Ministry for Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, sent an email to the European Commission detailing measures taken to eliminate driftnets. EJF welcomed Morocco’s constructive engagement but urged that it translate into a real ban.
Legislative Loopholes and Enforcement Challenges
Current Rules and Gaps
Current ICCAT rules ban driftnet use only for large pelagic fisheries targeting swordfish and tuna in the Mediterranean. The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) separately bans driftnets longer than 2.5 km. However, neither “large pelagic fishery” nor “driftnet” is clearly defined, making enforcement difficult. Inspections under ICCAT monitoring schemes have found vessels carrying driftnets, but inspectors lacked a legal basis to take action. Furthermore, possession of driftnets on board is not prohibited—only their use. The EU proposal aims to address both definitional gaps and possession bans.
Previous Efforts and Opposition
A similar proposal at the ICCAT annual meeting in 2025 nearly achieved consensus but failed due to objections raised by the United States. The EU official said the majority of ICCAT member parties support firmer driftnet regulations, but decisions require consensus, meaning any single member can block adoption.
Path Forward: Enforcement and Transition
Need for Real Implementation
Environmental groups stress that clear definitions alone are insufficient. EJF calls for EU cooperation with Morocco to help implement and support the ban, and for reinforced controls to prevent illegally caught swordfish from entering the European market. Urios Culiañez noted that swordfish fishing is vital for Moroccan coastal communities, and fishers are open to transition if support is provided for alternative gear and livelihoods.
Upcoming ICCAT Vote
Following the June technical meetings, EU officials reported broad support for the current proposal. The vote at the November ICCAT annual meeting will determine whether the strengthened rules on driftnets are adopted. The outcome remains uncertain due to the consensus requirement.