The United Kingdom is advancing its marine conservation efforts by proposing to extend a ban on bottom trawling to an additional 41 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within English waters. This significant initiative is currently undergoing a public consultation, which is set to conclude on September 29, 2025. The aim is to safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems and promote the recovery of diverse marine life.
The proposed ban would cover approximately 30,000 square kilometers of the English seabed, protecting sensitive habitats such as subtidal sandbanks, gravels, and muds. Bottom trawling, a fishing method that involves dragging heavy nets across the seafloor, is widely acknowledged for its detrimental impact on marine environments. This practice can destroy delicate habitats like coral reefs and seagrass meadows, which are crucial for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. The disruption extends to the entire marine food web, potentially reducing species diversity by up to 50% in heavily fished areas.
This proposed expansion would add to the approximately 18,000 square kilometers already protected from this method, bringing the total protected area to around 48,000 square kilometers. Environmental organizations have generally welcomed the proposal, with a recent survey indicating that 80% of the public supports enhanced protection for marine wildlife. Experts, such as Joan Edwards, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, have stressed the long-standing necessity for better management of MPAs, noting that allowing bottom trawling undermines their protective status. The Wildlife Trusts emphasize that this measure is vital for safeguarding marine wildlife, fish stocks, and the carbon stored in seabed muds.
Conversely, some representatives from the fishing industry have voiced concerns regarding the potential economic consequences for coastal communities and fishing fleets. The government has committed to thoroughly reviewing all feedback before reaching a final decision, aiming to balance environmental protection with the interests of the fishing sector. The RSPB estimates that extending these protections could benefit the UK economy by approximately £3.1 billion through restored fish populations, improved nutrient cycling, and enhanced climate regulation.