On 9 June 2025, the government announced
plans to extend bans on the use of bottom towed gear and
other damaging fishing activities in more Marine Protected Areas
(MPAs).
As England's marine manager, MMO is responsible for managing
fishing in offshore MPAs. It is now asking marine stakeholders to
view its draft management measures for 42 English MPAs, complete
an online survey and have their say.
Proposals would be implemented through the creation of four
region byelaws. They include:
-
prohibitions of fishing using bottom towed gear in specified
areas in 31 MPAs;
-
prohibition of fishing using bottom towed gears and
prohibitions on fishing using static gears (traps and/or
bottom set nets and lines) in specified areas in four
MPAs;
-
prohibition of fishing using traps in a specified area of one
MPA;
-
prohibition of fishing using bottom towed gear and
prohibition of the removal of spiny lobster, also known as
crawfish (Palinurus elephas) in a specified area of one
MPA;
-
minor changes to existing bottom towed gear prohibitions in
five MPAs to reflect the most up to date approach, habitat
location and depth information.
The total area of seabed that would be protected by MMOs proposed
measures is approximately 30,000 km².
The measures are based on detailed assessments into the impacts
of fishing on sensitive seabed habitats and species within these
sites. This includes circalittoral rock (animal dominated rocky
reef habitats), fan mussels, ocean quahogs, as well as sea-pen
and burrowing megafauna communities.
These habitats and species are at risk from damaging fishing
activity. Their protection and recovery will contribute to
healthier marine ecosystems and support the long-term
sustainability of commercial fish stocks.
, MMOs Acting CEO,
said:
Marine protected areas play a critical role in the future health
and vitality of our seas and sustainability of our fisheries. Our
latest proposals are based on draft fisheries assessments which
have concluded that management measures are necessary to ensure,
beyond reasonable scientific doubt, that the conservation
objectives of the MPAs included in the stage can be achieved.
This consultation runs for 12 weeks and will close on 1 September
2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to view proposals by region and
comment on areas relevant to them.
The consultation follows a call for evidence which ran from 17
January to 28 March 2023.
To take part and view the draft byelaws, impact assessments, de
minimis assessment, maps and coordinates of the areas included in
this consultation, please visit: www.gov.uk/government/collections/marine-protected-areas-stage-3-consultation
To find out more about MPAs, please visit: www.gov.uk/marine-protected-areas
