Bottom trawling is still permitted in the vast majority of inshore marine protected areas (MPAs) in England and Scotland – despite the damage it causes to biodiversity and the health of marine ecosystems.

Blue Marine Foundation is working to secure implementation of effective management measures  to ban bottom trawling in inshore waters and marine protected areas. The project focuses on unblocking stalled measures in England, supporting regulators to introduce new byelaws, and building public and political support for stronger protection.

This work is supported by Becht Foundation and builds on Blue Marine’s longstanding leadership in UK marine conservation, including its role in securing trawling bans on the Dogger Bank and off the Sussex coast.