21 Oct 2025

Photo by Andy Grayson   The Scottish Government has implemented new fisheries management measures protecting over 176,900 km² of Scotland’s 20 offshore Marine Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation from bottom-towed fishing gear. The restrictions, which came into effect on 16th October, represent a significant step forward for marine conservation but have sparked debate […]

05 Aug 2025

Photo by SpaceX   Groundbreaking research using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence has provided the first comprehensive evidence that strictly protected marine reserves successfully deter illegal fishing, offering new hope for ocean conservation efforts worldwide. The peer-reviewed study published in Science analysed 1,380 marine protected areas (MPAs) globally and found that 78.5% had no commercial […]

05 Aug 2025

Photo by K. Mitch Hodge   Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a £3.25 million Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund, providing immediate financial support for fishing, aquaculture and marine stakeholders across the region. Minister Andrew Muir announced the scheme opening on 29th July 2025, emphasising the urgency of applications […]

22 Jul 2025

Photo by Julie Aagaard   Fishermen in the Celtic Sea are raising urgent concerns over the future of their queenie fishery, warning that two proposed offshore wind farms could trigger its complete collapse. As reported by Fishing News, the floating wind projects—part of the UK’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5—are poised to disrupt key fishing grounds […]

22 Jul 2025

Photo by Rob Wicks   The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced substantial progress in the rollout of the Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) for England’s under-12m fishing fleet. Two months following the enforcement of the licence condition on 12 May 2025, over 80% of the targeted vessels have purchased and installed the required devices. […]