Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Aims to regulate and limit bottom trawling within marine protected areas to reduce damage to habitats and bycatch of protected species.
• Creates a legal framework for restricting or prohibiting bottom trawling in designated MPAs.
• Empowers authorities to designate zones where bottom trawling is restricted or banned and to enforce compliance.
• Establishes offences and penalties for breaches and requires monitoring, reporting, and enforcement actions.
• Links the measure to broader marine protection objectives and related conservation measures.

Progress

The bill is at the 1st reading stage in the Lords, starting its passage through Parliament. If it progresses, it will move to committee and subsequent readings for detailed consideration.