A fresh campaign demanding the prohibition of bottom trawling in all UK waters has begun attracting public support.
The petition specifically targets this fishing method beyond the current restrictions that apply only within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Isle of Wight residents previously backed similar campaign
The cause has found favour with many Isle of Wight residents, who supported previous similar efforts.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust supported a campaign against bottom trawlers in early 2025, drawing local backing for the environmental cause.
Current petition seeks government response
The new online petition has collected 277 signatures to date.
Campaigners want the government to “phase out industrial bottom trawling by 2030” and “ratify the UN High seas treaty – before the September 2025 General Assembly.”
The petition describes bottom trawling as “a brutal, outdated, and ecologically catastrophic fishing method.”
Environmental concerns drive campaign
Petition organisers argue that bottom trawling “razes the ocean floor, destroys coral and sponge habitats, kills non-target species, and contributes to climate breakdown by releasing massive amounts of carbon stored in marine sediment”.
They express frustration that “the UK still allows it — even in so-called ‘protected’ areas”.
The campaigners conclude their petition with the statement,
“Enough is enough. Restore the ocean while there’s still something left to save.”
Parliamentary consideration requires more support
The petition needs significantly more signatures to trigger government action.
At 10,000 signatures, the government will provide an official response to the petition.
If the campaign reaches 100,000 signatures, Parliament will consider the petition for debate.
The petition currently sits at 277 signatures, requiring substantial growth to reach these parliamentary thresholds.
Our thanks to Iain McKie for the headsup.
