Hello - it's Francois, the French campaigner onboard the Esperanza.

As today is quiet - we've found no trawlers so far - I thought I could write a little update on the French side of the campaign. This year we've had very good interest from the media and the public following the first actions we did on the French fleet. We also had a successful open boat in Brest on 12 and 13 March - there were around 200 people on the quayside when we sailed back to the fishing grounds.

The fishing industry represents a strong lobby in France, and Greenpeace was not particularly popular among fishermen after the drift net campaign we set and won several years ago.

This time part of them agree with us - especially recreational fishermen and liners, who consider pair trawlers as a threat to sea bass resources because they essentially trawl in spawning areas and periods. It means they mostly catch tons of young reproducers sold lately around 5 or 6 euros/kg - whereas other selective fisheries can reach the price of 15 euros/kg, for they can offer a much better quality on the markets.

So within the issue of cetacean bycatch there is also a clear link with overfishing versus sustainable fisheries.

Greenpeace demands a ban on sea bass pair trawling in the Channel from both the French and UK governments, who must respect the precautionary principle under the EU Habitats Directive to preserve dolphins and other protected species against destructive practices, and to promote selective fisheries.

Francois, Campaigner