Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 May 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Thursday, 4 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Marine Protected Areas: Bottom Trawling

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department will take to enforce the proposed ban on bottom trawling in marine conservation areas.

Answer: The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities are responsible for enforcing fisheries restrictions within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). For example, the MMO remotely monitors the movements of all fishing vessels using satellite technology and investigates incursions into areas of MPAs where fishing activities are restricted. In addition, MMO’s offshore patrol vessels and aerial surveillance flights are used to monitor and deter any prohibited activity.

Secondary information