Marine UnProtected Areas
2 minute read
England's offshore Marine Protected Areas must be properly protected. Inadequate protections mean our seas continue to be damaged and degraded as fishing gear is ploughed through them.
Take action with us today
The problem
98
%
of UK's offshore seabed MPAs experience fishing activity
6
%
of UK’s seabed MPAs legally ban bottom-towed fishing gear
5,055
hrs
of fishing, including bottom trawling, in Dogger Bank MPA from 2021-22
Many Marine Protected Areas are vital feeding and nesting grounds. Current damaging fishing practices in these areas are destroying habitats and the marine life that rely on them.
As the seabed is trawled, carbon is released into the water, where it can make its way into the atmosphere and could ultimately contribute to climate change.
Our research
Our research shows that Marine Protected Areas simply aren't protecting our marine habitats.
Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, Principle Specialist in MPAs
