Closed petition: Ban Trawling in All Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in UK waters

Closed on 16 December 2025

Ban all bottom and pelagic trawling within all UK Marine Protected Areas to safeguard vital marine ecosystems & ensure these protected areas are truly safe for nature. We think this would support biodiversity, aid climate resilience by protecting carbon stores & benefit sustainable fishing practices

We think that UK Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), intended as safe havens, face severe threats. Reports indicate that in 2023 alone, over 33,000 hours of suspected bottom trawling occurred in offshore areas. We think this destructive practice devastates seabed habitats, crucial for biodiversity and carbon storage. We think continuing to allow trawling undermines the very purpose of MPAs and harms small-scale fishers who rely on healthy ecosystems. We think a full ban is essential to ensure the recovery of marine life and habitats.