Commons2nd readingView on Parliament.uk

Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) (England) Bill

A Bill to prohibit the practice of bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas in England; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Katie WhiteLabour (Co-op)

Last Updated

10 September 2025

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would ban the practice of bottom trawling inside Marine Protected Areas in England. By stopping this fishing method in protected seabed habitats, it aims to safeguard wildlife and habitats, with additional provisions to support conservation and enforcement.

Key Points

Prohibits bottom trawling within England’s Marine Protected Areas.
Includes connected provisions to support habitat protection and enforcement within those areas.
Applies to Marine Protected Areas in English waters (not in Scotland or Wales).

Who is affected?

Commercial and small‑scale fishers operating bottom trawling in England’s MPAsFishing communities and coastal towns dependent on these activitiesEnforcement bodies and managers responsible for MPAsEnvironmental and scientific organisations monitoring and protecting marine habitatsThe broader public benefiting from healthier marine ecosystems

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) (England) Bill

22 Jan 2025

This Private Members' Bill was withdrawn by the Member in charge on 9 September 2025 and will proceed no further.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) (England) Bill | TrackPolitics