Advancing sustainable fisheries and marine protection in UK waters
The UK is ranked among the top 15 fishing areas in the world with roughly 1.5 million tonnes of fish caught in its waters every year. It has historically been a leading voice for conservation around the world. It was the first country to call for a global target of protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030. However, the stark reality in UK waters reveals an urgent need for stronger laws and policies to restore their abundance and ensure their future prosperity. For example, only 37 percent of stocks in the UK are considered healthy, 29 percent of stocks are now classified as subject to overfishing, and the health of the remaining 34 percent of stocks is unknown due to data limitations. And, while there are hundreds of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in UK seas, the vast majority allow destructive fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, without any effective protection for the habitat and sea life within their boundaries.
Oceana UK is dedicated to restoring the health of the United Kingdom’s marine ecosystems by advocating for science-based policies and sustainable fishing practices. Through its campaigns, Oceana aims to protect marine biodiversity and ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks critical to ocean health and coastal livelihoods.
Becht Foundation is supporting Oceana UK in its campaign to ensure that 20% of UK seas are fully protected from bottom-towed fishing gear, a destructive practice that harms seabed ecosystems. This grant will also support efforts to achieve sustainable management of all commercial fish stocks around the UK, including those shared with neighbouring countries. These measures are essential for safeguarding the UK’s marine resources and ensuring a thriving ocean for future generations.
