Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Marine Protected Areas

02 May 2023 · 5 other contributors · 8,935 words

Opened by Chris Grayling Con Epsom and Ewell

Responding minister: Trudy Harrison

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Chris Grayling raised concerns about marine protected areas in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Chris Grayling is concerned about insufficient protection of marine protected areas, particularly regarding bottom trawling practices.
  • Grayling requests the Minister to drive forward bans on damaging fishing practices within marine protected areas.
  • He asks for the designation of highly protected marine areas with no extractive activity permitted.

Key requests to Government

Grayling requests the Minister to drive forward bans on damaging fishing practices within marine protected areas during the current Parliament. Additionally, he asks for the designation of highly protected marine areas with no extractive activity permitted and seeks regulatory and financial support for the restoration of seagrass beds and kelp forests.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Chris Grayling Con Epsom and Ewell

Chris Grayling is concerned about the insufficient protection of marine protected areas, particularly regarding bottom trawling practices. He noted that most people are shocked to learn that marine protected areas are not truly protected against destructive fishing equipment. Grayling emphasized the importance of preventing large industrial trawlers from scalping seabeds and leaving a trail of destruction, as this damages ecosystems and fish stocks. He pointed out that limited scale local fishing in marine protected areas can act as breeding grounds for new fish populations, which benefit surrounding fisheries.

Other contributors (5)
  • Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

    The right hon. Gentleman must involve fishing, coastal and island communities in the process of creating highly protected marine areas to avoid being counterproductive to fish conservation. Advise starting with a few small areas to gain support from local communities.

  • Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South

    The development of protected areas must have the support of local fisherpeople, as seen in sites off Lyme Regis. Inquiry into why it has taken over 10 years to develop these sites.

  • Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East

    The MP highlighted the importance of protecting seagrass, which is crucial for carbon sequestration and biodiversity. She pointed out that nearly half of UK's seagrass beds have been lost since the 1930s and proposed investment in scaling up seagrass restoration projects to attract financial support.

  • Margaret Ferrier SNP Rutherglen and Hamilton West

    Despite measures to protect marine protected areas, ecosystems were subjected to over 130,000 hours of industrial fishing in 2022; 7,000 involved destructive bottom-towed fishing gear. Current Government measures are insufficient to protect MPAs from detrimental fishing practices.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn

    Welcomed the progress on marine protected areas but noted that less than 0.5% of English seas are covered, urging for more ambition to combat climate change. Emphasised the role of MPAs in carbon sequestration and storage, highlighting concerns about oil development affecting fragile ecosystems like the Faroe-Shetland sponge belt. Questioned the Minister on safeguards against pollution from oil spills and noise impacts from seismic blasting.

Government Response

Trudy Harrison

Discussed the importance of Marine Protected Areas, noting that over 100 MPAs have been created since 2010 and now cover around 40% of English waters. Mentioned financial support for the fishing sector, including a £32.7 million annual allocation to UK seafood sectors and a £100 million fund announced in December 2020. Highlighted plans to designate three highly protected marine areas by July 6th. Addressed concerns about bottom trawling and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

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