Remaining few weeks to form proposed fisheries administration measures in 42 of England’s MPAs

MMOs 16 week session, which was prolonged in response to stakeholder suggestions, opened on the 9 June and closes on 29 September 2025. MMO is urging fishers, environmental teams, coastal communities and different marine stakeholders to evaluation the proposals and submit their views earlier than the deadline. 

The proposed measures would shield roughly 30,000 km² of seabed and embody new prohibitions on backside towed gear and different fishing actions that pose a threat to delicate habitats and species. These embody circalittoral rock, fan mussels, ocean quahogs, and sea-pen and burrowing megafauna communities. 

Nicholas Greenwood, Head of Marine Protection and Operational Services at MMO, stated:

We are grateful to everybody who has engaged with the session to date. These proposed measures are primarily based on detailed scientific assessments and are important to making sure the long-term well being of our marine ecosystems which underpins the sustainability of our fisheries. We encourage all stakeholders to take this last alternative to have their say.” 

Proposals could be applied by the creation of 4 regional byelaws. They embody:  

• prohibitions of fishing utilizing backside towed gear in specified areas in 31 MPAs;  

• prohibition of fishing utilizing backside towed gears and prohibitions on fishing utilizing static gears (traps and/or backside set nets and contours) in specified areas in 4 MPAs;  

• prohibition of fishing utilizing traps in a specified space of 1 MPA;  

• prohibition of fishing utilizing backside towed gear and prohibition of the elimination of spiny lobster, often known as crawfish (Palinurus elephas) in a specified space of 1 MPA;  

• minor adjustments to current backside towed gear prohibitions in 5 MPAs to mirror the freshest method, habitat location and depth data. 

Stakeholders can view the draft byelaws, influence assessments, maps and coordinates, and full the web survey by visiting: www.gov.uk/authorities/collections/marine-protected-areas-stage-3-consultation  

Following session, MMO will conduct a evaluation all of the responses and knowledge that’s obtained earlier than contemplating implementation of future administration measures. 

To study extra about Marine Protected Areas, go to: www.gov.uk/marine-protected-areas