Bottom trawling, a common commercial fishing method targeting species like sole and crustaceans, involves dragging heavy nets across the seafloor. This practice disrupts layers of sediment and triggers chemical reactions that release stored carbon back into the ocean and atmosphere. 

A recent study published in Science Advances estimates that such activities emit between 2 and 8 million metric tons of CO₂ annually—comparable to the yearly energy emissions of up to one million U.S. homes.

While this figure may be modest relative to global fossil fuel emissions, it highlights the impact of human activities on climate change – in this case commercial fishing. The lead author of the new study emphasized that while reducing overall emissions remains most important, mitigating practices such as bottom trawling could help the ocean's ability to absorb the carbon emitted into the atmosphere.

Addressing these indirect contributions to higher carbon levels is a key element in our comprehensive climate strategies. Implementing sustainable fishing practices can help preserve marine ecosystems and bolster the ocean's natural ability to sequester carbon, contributing to global efforts against climate change.