RSPB statement following UK Government proposal to extend ban on bottom trawling

Today the UK Government announced proposals to extend the ban on bottom trawling as part of the Marine Protected Areas Stage 3 Consultation.

Kirsten Carter, the RSPB’s head of UK marine policy, said: “Improving the way we manage our seas is key to tackling the nature and climate crisis, including putting our seabirds on the path to recovery. Today’s announcement from the UK Government that it intends to ban the damaging practice of bottom trawling across more than 40 Marine Protected Areas is a positive and important step towards ensuring this network of sites is fit for purpose to protect and restore our seas.

“If delivered, a reduction in bottom trawling would not only benefit wildlife that depends upon a healthy marine environment but also positively impact the UK economy. It is estimated this proposal to extend bottom trawling protections to over 30,000km2 of the MPA network would benefit the UK to the tune of £3.1bn thanks to restored fish populations, nutrient cycling and climate regulation.

“It is also essential that if an extended ban on bottom trawling follows the consultation process, it is accompanied by a just transition away from damaging activities for the fishing sector if we are to avoid unwanted knock-on effects in other parts of our seas.”