Damaging fishing activity will be prohibited in four Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) using new powers under the Fisheries Act. The four byelaws ban the use of bottom trawls, dredges, demersal seines and semi-pelagic trawls, collectively known as bottom towed gear, over certain areas. There are also additional restrictions in two of the sites preventing the use of certain static gears such as pots, nets or lines over especially sensitive areas.

More on this story can be read here

To read an analysis by Tom Appleby, Blue Marine Foundation click here

The Guardian report on this story can be read here

In a related matter, the text of Chris Grayling MP’s Private Members Bill to curtail demersal trawling in Marine Protected Areas has been published. It would ban all demersal trawling in MPAs, with exceptions for small-scale, low-impact fisheries where the marine environment would not be unduly affected. The Bill will receive a second reading on 6 May. To follow progress click here