Story perspectives

UK Allows Harmful Bottom Trawling in Protected Marine Areas

9/10/2025

30 6

Summary

Story summary

The UK government permits seabed bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs), despite its harmful effects.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will not enforce blanket bans on bottom-towed fishing gear.
Critics label UK MPAs as “paper parks” due to insufficient protections.
Countries like Sweden and Greece have banned bottom trawling in their MPAs.
A Commons committee urged a reconsideration of a complete ban on bottom trawling.

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Story summary

The UK government permits seabed bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs), despite its harmful effects.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will not enforce blanket bans on bottom-towed fishing gear.
Critics label UK MPAs as “paper parks” due to insufficient protections.
Countries like Sweden and Greece have banned bottom trawling in their MPAs.
A Commons committee urged a reconsideration of a complete ban on bottom trawling.