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Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling)
01 March 2022
Lead MP
Chris Grayling
Debate Type
General Debate
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Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Chris Grayling raised concerns about marine protected areas (bottom trawling) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves to regulate and limit the practice of bottom trawling in marine protected areas, highlighting growing consensus on protecting natural habitats. Criticises current regulations which allow bottom trawling in most marine protected areas despite their designation as protected zones. Emphasises the importance of reversing habitat degradation and carbon emission challenges posed by bottom trawling, advocating for stricter protection measures to align with international commitments.
Chris Grayling
Con
Breckland
Proposes a Bill to ban bottom trawling in marine protected areas within 12 months of Royal Assent, with limited exemptions for small-scale fisheries based on habitat evidence. Points out the current inadequacy of protection despite MPAs covering about one-third of UK waters, and highlights the need for transformative stewardship of seas post-Brexit.
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