UK proposes wider ban on bottom trawling fishing to protect seabeds
Summary
The UK government has proposed to extend a ban on bottom trawling, a fishing method that drags heavy nets across the ocean floor, to cover more protected areas in English waters. This proposal aims to increase the protected area from 18,000 square kilometers to 30,000 square kilometers and is open for public and industry consultation for 12 weeks. The move coincides with a UN Ocean Conference in France, highlighting the global focus on marine conservation.Key Facts
- Bottom trawling involves dragging nets along the seafloor, which can harm marine life and habitats.
- The UK is considering expanding a ban on this method to cover 30,000 square kilometers of protected sea areas.
- The expansion would increase protection in 41 out of the UK’s 178 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
- A 12-week consultation period is open for feedback from the marine and fishing industries until September 1.
- Environmental Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the need for urgent action to protect oceans.
- A UN Ocean Conference is being held in France, discussing global ocean conservation issues.
- The High Seas Treaty, which aims to protect 30% of the ocean, has yet to be ratified by enough countries, including the UK.
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