Bottom trawling, a fishing practice using heavy nets and chains dragged along the seabed, severely damages ocean ecosystems by destroying habitats vital for marine life. This devastating impact threatens biodiversity and undermines the overall health of oceans, which cover two-thirds of our planet.
To address this urgent issue, the UK government has committed to banning bottom trawling across 41 protected areas in English seas, covering 30,000 square kilometres
Additionally, the government will support the fishing industry in adopting more sustainable practices, benefiting both fishing communities and ocean ecosystems.
These steps align with the global effort to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 and demonstrate a commitment to ratifying the Global Oceans Treaty, ensuring healthy, productive seas for future generations.
