English Marine Protected Areas: Bottom Trawling and Dredging

Baroness Sugg Excerpts

Thursday 19th June 2025 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Sugg]

To ask His Majesty’s Government when they plan to prohibit bottom trawling and dredging in all English marine protected areas.

[Lord in Waiting/Government Whip (Lord Katz) (Lab)]

My Lords, 60% of English marine protected areas are protected by by-laws that limit the use of damaging fishing gear. On Monday 9 June, the Secretary of State announced that the Marine Management Organisation was starting a consultation on proposed by-laws to protect a further 42 MPAs. This substantial package would ban bottom trawling and shellfish dredging over 30,000 square kilometres—that is 13% of English waters. It is a significant step in preserving marine ecosystems through targeted action.

[Baroness Sugg (Con)]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. I very much welcome last week’s announcement that progress will be made in marine protected areas, as currently 90% of the UK’s MPAs remain open to bottom trawling. Does the Minister agree that, given the state of fish stocks, this is an important move to ensure that fishing has a sustainable future? Following the consultation, I hope to see a swift implementation; can he give more detail on the timeframe for that?