Scotland Launches Consultation on Banning Trawlers in Marine Protected Areas

Scotland has launched talks on restricting or banning trawlers in 20 Marine Protected Areas off its coast, joining a growing list of countries that are working to protect their seabed from bottom trawling. If the Scottish ban proceeds it would boost protections in its existing MPA network. Scotland says its MPAs now protect 37% of […]

France’s Protest Over UK Bottom-Trawling Ban is Being Labelled “Hypocrisy”

Telemaque scallop fisher and trawler France blue and white fishing vessel

France has raised objections to a new UK regulation banning bottom trawling in certain territorial waters, sparking a controversy that has drawn accusations of hypocrisy from environmentalists. The UK implemented this prohibition last month, targeting 13 marine protected areas which cover a total of 4,000 square kilometers. This measure, which affects both British and EU […]

What is Bottom Trawling?

Bottom trawling involves dragging massive nets across the ocean floor with no regard for the significant damage that is caused.