The UK is a global leader in protecting our seas, the ocean and marine life, working with counterparts both in the UK and overseas.
At COP15 in 2022, almost 200 countries agreed a global commitment to reverse biodiversity loss and to protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030. The UK also announced nearly £30 million to support developing countries to deliver the '30 by 30' target. In addition, in March 2023, UN Member States agreed the High Seas Treaty, which aims to place 30 per cent of the seas into protected areas by 2030.
In England, 181 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been established, which cover over 40 per cent of English waters. These MPAs are all subject to planning and licensing regimes to ensure they are protected from harmful activities. The Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) sets the country on a path to deliver an improved marine environment and halt the decline in biodiversity which benefits us all. As set out in the EIP, the UK has a statutory target to have 70 per cent of designated features in MPAs in a favourable condition by 2042, with the remainder in a recovering condition.
Finally, the first Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) have come into force. These areas of the sea will benefit from the highest level of protection which will exclude all fishing, thus encouraging full recovery of marine ecosystems. For HPMAs to be successful, the Government must work with the fishing industry, other marine industries and sea users in designating, managing and monitoring them.
The UK has some of the finest fish stocks in the world, forming an integral part of healthy marine ecosystems while providing livelihoods, enjoyment and prosperity to coastal communities. As an independent coastal state, the UK is able to build a modern, resilient and profitable fishing industry underpinned by sustainable fish stocks and a healthy marine environment for the future. Sadly, the Government has given away the prize most desired by EU member states, access to UK fishing waters. Extraordinarily, the Government has agreed 12 years access for the EU to UK waters. It is hardly surprising that the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations has described the deal as a surrender and a giveaway. The Government has shown again that when it negotiates, Britain loses.
Turning to the concerns which have been raised about bottom trawling. As I understand it, bottom trawling is a broad term describing methods of pulling fishing gear along the seabed to catch fish and/or shellfish. Bottom trawls are used by all parts of the fishing fleet, including both small day boats and large offshore vessels. I understand that bottom trawling and other fishing methods are prohibited when they have a negative impact on the habitats or species protected by a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and 60 per cent of England’s MPAs have bottom trawling restrictions already. However, I understand that the Government is consulting on extending this further to ban the destructive practice in more MPAs.
I hope that the Government's approach considers the UK's domestic and international nature conservation obligations and also the sustainability of the fishing sector. Please be assured, I will follow developments on this issue closely on behalf of my constituents.
