Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) Bill [HL]

A Bill to regulate and limit the practice of bottom trawling in marine protected areas, and for connected purposes

Originating House

House of Lords

Parliament last updated

31 October 2023

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would regulate and limit bottom trawling within marine protected areas to protect sensitive habitats and marine life. It provides a framework for how bottom trawling can be carried out inside MPAs and includes related measures to support protection.

Key Points

Regulates and limits bottom trawling inside marine protected areas (MPAs).
Provides a regulatory framework for where, when, and how bottom trawling may take place within MPAs.
Includes connected measures to support broader marine protection and biodiversity objectives.
Introduced in the Lords and currently at its first reading.

Progress

The bill is at the first reading stage in the Lords, having been introduced on 16 June 2022.

Who is affected?

Commercial fishermen and the fishing industry involved in bottom trawlingCoastal communities that rely on fishing and marine resourcesMarine protected area managers and enforcement authoritiesEnvironmental and conservation organisations and scientistsLocal residents and visitors with an interest in healthy marine ecosystems

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingLords

16 Jun 2022

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

1st readingCommons

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) Bill

17 Jun 2022

The 2022-2023 session of Parliament has prorogued and this bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 33 (as introduced)

BillLords

16 Jun 2022

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.