English Marine Protected Areas: Bottom Trawling and Dredging

Lord Randall of Uxbridge Excerpts

Thursday 19th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

My Lords, the Government support the fishing industry and recognise its key role in food supply, which is why we are also launching the fishing and coastal growth fund, which is investing £360 million over the next 12 years to support the next generation of fishermen and breathe new life into our coastal communities. This investment will make the fishing industry fit for the 21st century, but we make no apology for taking the steps—which, indeed, were initiated by the previous Government—to protect our natural marine environment over the long term. It is worth pointing out that the majority of fishing fleets that will be impacted by this ban on bottom trawling and shellfish dredging are not UK fleets but fleets from other nations, principally France, Ireland and Denmark.

[Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Con)]

My Lords, I wonder if the Minister could clarify something. I know I am a bit dense, but the headline seemed to be that the Government are banning bottom trawling in MPAs. Following on from the noble Baroness, Lady Boycott, who mentioned the remarks made by the Minister’s honourable friend in the other place, is it a fact that the Government are banning bottom trawling in some MPAs but not all?

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

My Lords, we want to stop fishing only where it is damaging protected species and habitats in MPAs. For example, some MPAs are designated to protect sea-birds or harbour porpoises; bottom-trawling restrictions will not help these species. Our regulators undertake detailed assessments to make sure we protect our MPAs, while allowing fishing and other activities to continue where they are not damaging to them. I ask noble Lords to forgive the mammalian comparison, but it is horses for courses.