TELL THE GOVERNMENT: STOP BULLDOZING OUR MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

Bottom trawling is akin to bulldozing and can destroy wildlife habitats and communities in minutes, yet this incredibly destructive fishing is allowed in almost all our marine ‘protected’ areas (MPAs).

Last year, the UK’s offshore marine protected areas were subjected to over 33,000 hours of apparent fishing by vessels equipped with destructive bottom-towed fishing gear, Oceana data analysis has revealed .

Proper protection is good for both ocean wildlife and local livelihoods, research shows. Yet fishing vessels are allowed to drag heavy metal gear and nets — which can be as large as a football field and weigh several tonnes — across the seafloor. This indiscriminately scoops up sea life and damages habitats. 

The government could stop this destruction NOW by banning bottom trawling and dredging in MPAs. Write to the minister today to ask them to ban the bulldozing of our incredible marine wildlife!