MP Bob Seely has joined a campaign to ban ‘bottom trawling’ – a highly destructive form of fishing that involves dragging weighted nets across the seabed.
Mr Seely said a ban on bottom trawling would be good for small fishing communities and would protect fragile marine ecosystems.
Speaking during a Westminster Hall debate yesterday (28 June) Seely said: “I think there would be very strong support on the Isle of Wight for a ban on bottom trawling in all MPAs [Marine Protected Areas].”
He said a ban, combined with a marine reserve - such as the one in Lyme Bay where fishing and other activity is allowed as long as none are damaging to the seabed or to nature conservation - would be very good news for the Island.
Speaking after the debate, Seely said: “While I’m pleased the government has committed to banning bottom trawling in four Marine Protected Areas, I want – and urge - them to go much further and faster.
“This damaging fishing practice continues to destroy the marine life we want to protect.
“We are now in a position, having exited the European Union, to ban bottom trawling and take back control of our waters. Now is the time for the government to act.”
