Legislation covering marine protected areas (MPAs) is “almost complete” and will set an ambition for 30% of Irish waters to be designated, Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan has said. Mr Noonan was speaking after a report from a broad coalition of Irish environmental groups found that a mere 2.1% were MPAs, compared to 10% on average in the […]
Many important ocean regions off the coasts of the mainland United States are significantly unprotected, according to a new analysis of marine protected areas. The study finds that large portions of the coast have only 5% or less of its area conserved and a vast majority of the Mid-Atlantic coast unprotected. For the study, researchers […]
Following the announcement of Byelaws to prohibit damaging fishing activity in four MPAs last month, including Dogger Bank and the Canyons, which will come into force on 13 June 2022, the MMO are now seeking views on the impacts of bottom towed gear fishing in 13 more MPAs which contain some of the most sensitive […]
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has launched a Call for Evidence on the impacts of fishing activity in 13 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). It follows the announcement of Byelaws to prohibit damaging fishing activity in four MPAs last month, including Dogger Bank and the Canyons, which will come into force on 13 June 2022. The MMO are […]
Press release from Ireland’s Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage: ‘Public consultation demonstrates strong support for expansion of Marine Protected Areas The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has today published the results of an independent review and analysis of its extensive public consultation undertaken on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The government aims […]
We previously covered the news that Chris Grayling, MP, was introducing a Ten Minute Rule Motion entitled ‘Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling)’. The Hansard record can be found here and a second reading of the Bill is due on 18 March. As reported in Fishing News: introducing the private members’ bill, which will ‘regulate and […]
Chris Grayling, MP, is introducing a Ten Minute Rule Motion entitled ‘Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling)’. We covered previously that a study noted that Brexit may bring some benefits to the environment as it has enabled the UK to reclaim the autonomy to designate offshore marine protected areas. For example, this has enabled a proposal to […]
Marine Nature Recovery (MNR) – First steps towards MNR within Cornwall’s inshore seas Marine nature recovery is needed to reverse past declines in wildlife and habitats and bring our seas back to life, so that they are healthy and thriving now and into the future for people, climate and nature. To rebuild the marine life-support systems […]