02 Jun 2026
Photo by Annie Spratt Cornwall’s inshore fisheries regulator is proposing an emergency byelaw to restrict octopus potting by larger vessels, as concern mounts over the impact of an unprecedented population bloom on the region’s crab and lobster fisheries. Cornwall IFCA announced on 26 May that its members will consider the measure at a quarterly meeting […]
26 May 2026
Photo by Low Angle New legislation came into force on 21 May, reforming the rules governing how offshore wind developers compensate for unavoidable impacts on protected marine sites. The changes, introduced jointly by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, amend the Conservation of Habitats and […]
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. […]