MMOs 16 week consultation, which was extended in response to stakeholder feedback, opened on the 9 June and closes on 29 September 2025. MMO is urging fishers, environmental groups, coastal communities and other marine stakeholders to review the proposals and submit their views before the deadline.
The proposed measures would protect approximately 30,000 km² of seabed and include new prohibitions on bottom towed gear and other fishing activities that pose a risk to sensitive habitats and species. These include circalittoral rock, fan mussels, ocean quahogs, and sea-pen and burrowing megafauna communities.
Nicholas Greenwood, Head of Marine Protection and Operational Services at MMO, said:
We are grateful to everyone who has engaged with the consultation so far. These proposed measures are based on detailed scientific assessments and are vital to ensuring the long-term health of our marine ecosystems which underpins the sustainability of our fisheries. We encourage all stakeholders to take this final opportunity to have their say.”
Proposals would be implemented through the creation of four regional byelaws. They include:
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prohibitions of fishing using bottom towed gear in specified areas in 31 MPAs;
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prohibition of fishing using bottom towed gears and prohibitions on fishing using static gears (traps and/or bottom set nets and lines) in specified areas in four MPAs;
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prohibition of fishing using traps in a specified area of one MPA;
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prohibition of fishing using bottom towed gear and prohibition of the removal of spiny lobster, also known as crawfish (Palinurus elephas) in a specified area of one MPA;
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minor changes to existing bottom towed gear prohibitions in five MPAs to reflect the most up to date approach, habitat location and depth information.
Stakeholders can view the draft byelaws, impact assessments, maps and coordinates, and complete the online survey by visiting: www.gov.uk/government/collections/marine-protected-areas-stage-3-consultation
Following consultation, MMO will conduct a review all the responses and information that is received before considering implementation of future management measures.
To learn more about Marine Protected Areas, visit: www.gov.uk/marine-protected-areas
