Following formal consultation in 2023 and an official
announcement on 31 January 2024 as part of Government’s 1
year on Environmental Improvement Plan progress update,
management measures prohibiting the use of bottom towed fishing
gear will be introduced to protect an area of almost 4,000 square
kilometres off the English coast.
This will increase the total area protected by MMO byelaws to
almost 18,000 square kilometres – an area larger than Yorkshire
and Norfolk combined.
The confirmation of the new byelaw represents a significant step
forward in the MMO’s ambitious programme to protect all 54
English offshore MPAs from impacts of fishing activity by
2024.
In June 2022, four byelaws were implemented in key sites
including Dogger Bank, Inner Dowsing, Race Bank and North Ridge,
South Dorset and The Canyons.
There are 181 MPAs (including highly protected marine areas)
covering over 40% of England’s waters. These areas are critical
to protecting rare and threatened habitats and species, ensuring
a healthier marine environment and enabling the restoration of
valuable ecosystems that support a sustainable fishing industry
for the future.
Locations that have now gained protection include Cape Bank, home
to ecologically important species such as pea urchins and a type
of starfish called a cushion star; Haig Fras, a site that
supports a variety of fauna ranging from jewel anemones and
solitary corals; and, Hartland Point to Tintagel, which is home
to reef habitats containing pink sea fans and fragile
sponges.
The 2023 consultation ran alongside a call for
evidence to gather views on the impacts of anchored nets and
lines, bottom towed fishing gear and traps on valuable marine
features such as reefs and sandbanks. The evidence is
currently being reviewed by MMO, with a formal consultation on
any further management measures required due later this
year.
In addition, MMO is currently assessing the impacts of fishing on
MPAs designated for highly mobile species, including harbour
porpoise and marine birds such as red-throated diver. Fishers,
partners and members of scientific or marine conservation bodies
are encouraged to participate in the call for evidence before the
13 February
closing date.
, Acting Chief Executive
Officer MMO, said:
“We’d like to thank all those who took part in our formal
consultation on the proposed byelaw for these sites
last year. We’ve listened to your views and considered the
available evidence on the impacts of bottom towed fishing in
these 13 marine protected areas.
We’ll now be introducing a byelaw to manage fishing and protect
the valuable marine flora, fauna and habitats in these
areas.’’
Marine Minister , said:
“The UK remains committed to safeguarding our oceans and the
precious species that depend on them. The recent introduction of
a further byelaw that restricts the harmful use of bottom towed
fishing gear is just one of many steps that we will take to
ensure the right measures are in place to enhance our network of
MPAs.
“Thank you to those who participated in the consultation, your
views have helped us shape these proposals and I look forward to
future collaboration with the sector.”
Find out
more.
Access copies of the byelaw: Marine Protected Areas
Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw 2023
Please see the full list of MPAs to receive protection and
covered by the new byelaw.
- Cape Bank
- East of Haig Fras
- Farnes East
- Foreland
- Goodwin Sands
- Haig Fras
- Haisborough, Hammond and Winterton
- Hartland Point to Tintagel
- Lands End and Cape Bank
- North Norfolk Sandbanks and Saturn Reef * Offshore
Brighton
- South of Celtic Deep
- Wight-Barfleur Reef
