Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

40% of England's Marine Areas Face Fishing Controversy

3/31/2026

22 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Nearly 40% of England's seas are designated as marine protected areas to safeguard ecosystems.
From 2020 to 2024, over 1.3 million tonnes of fish were caught in MPAs, drawing concerns from Chris Thorne of Greenpeace UK who called MPAs 'lines on a map'.
A 2020 law exists to restrict fishing for conservation.
Bottom-trawling bylaws remain under consultation.
The Department for the Environment has not responded to inquiries about the issue.

1 of 1

Story summary

Nearly 40% of England's seas are designated as marine protected areas to safeguard ecosystems.
From 2020 to 2024, over 1.3 million tonnes of fish were caught in MPAs, drawing concerns from Chris Thorne of Greenpeace UK who called MPAs 'lines on a map'.
A 2020 law exists to restrict fishing for conservation.
Bottom-trawling bylaws remain under consultation.
The Department for the Environment has not responded to inquiries about the issue.