
Marine UnProtected Areas
2 minute read
For climate and nature, England's offshore Marine Protected Areas must be properly protected.
We need your help. Join our call for ocean action.
The problem
Our research
What's next?
But, the Government has a long way to go to reach its goal of 40 sites properly protected by 2024.
Our research found there to be 16 sites of critical importance for proper protections. Five of these sites experienced disturbance from fishing gear across 100% of the protected area.
Since 1st January 2022 there have been 15,530 hours of fishing within the 16 ‘critically important’ sites by boats using bottom-contacting mobile gear.
Now is the time for Government to focus their attentions and act with urgency.
Sign the petition
By completely banning damaging fishing in Marine Protected Areas designed to protect the seabed, it is possible for our seas to recover.
Join our call for action
England's offshore Marine Protected Areas continue to be exploited by fishing methods damaging already fragile seabed habitats.
Last year, supposedly a 'Marine Super Year', saw the UK Government's promises broken as the ocean suffered the consequences.
While damaging fishing is permitted to continue in these protected seas, the ocean's power to buffer the effects of the climate crisis is reduced.