I feel very strongly that the health and biodiversity of our oceans are crucial to the overall wellbeing of the planet. I also agree with you that bottom trawling should be completely banned, and I would be happy to write to the Environment Secretary on your behalf to this effect.
In terms of broader context, it is important to note that the UK is a global leader in protecting our seas and has moved far faster than other peer nations to safeguard marine biodiversity. Across the UK, 372 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) now protect 38 per cent of UK waters, which are all subject to planning and licensing regimes to ensure they are protected from harmful activities.
Ministers are also supporting ocean protection through appropriate funding. This includes the £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund, and the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund, both of which have funded successful projects in the marine environment. Internationally, the Government’s £500 million Blue Planet Fund will help some of the world’s poorest communities to protect the ocean from plastic pollution, overfishing and habitat loss.
Bottom-Towed Fishing Gear
In inshore waters, 98 MPAs already have management in place to protect sensitive habitats from bottom towed fishing gear. I understand that the first four offshore byelaws are now in force, and plans are in place to protect all offshore sites by the end of 2024, using powers in the Fisheries Act.
Byelaws are developed using an evidence-led process to determine what measures are required to protect sites. Site by site assessments are carried out to tailor management measures and to avoid unnecessary restrictions on fishing. Only fishing activities which could damage the protected features of an MPA require management, such as trawling on the seabed.
Next Steps
As you may know, the Government joined other world leaders at the UN Ocean Conference in June to announce new initiatives to protect the global marine environment, marking a significant step forward in our mission to protect at least 30 per cent of the global ocean by 2030.