Overview
- The study by Bloom and The Shift Project estimates 1.1–1.14 million tonnes CO2e annually, roughly 0.2% of France’s total emissions.
- Ships over 40 meters comprise about 1% of the fleet yet account for roughly one-third of sector emissions while landing 35% of catches, with per‑crew emissions 7.5 times those of small coastal boats.
- Bottom trawlers make up about a tenth of vessels but produce around 46% of fishing emissions and average about 4 kg CO2e per kilogram landed.
- Emissions intensity varies widely by gear, with pelagic trawls, seines and dredges showing lower ratios at roughly 0.8–1.7 kg CO2e per kg due to high catch volumes or limited operating time.
- The authors call for dechalutisation, stronger marine protected areas, quota changes favoring coastal fishing and an end to fuel tax exemptions, noting the sector lacks a dedicated trajectory in France’s climate plan and has only limited modernization funding.