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Marine Protected Areas: Bottom Trawling

Asked by Mr Angus MacDonaldLiberal DemocratDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 9 July 2025UIN 62505

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the total area in square kilometres is of Marine Protected Areas in UK waters on which bottom trawling is allowed.

Answered by Emma Hardy

The management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

The Marine Management Organisation and the ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities individually assess fishing activity in the MPAs they are responsible for and decide what management measures are required for the MPAs to meet their conservation objectives.

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