Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, has joined a campaign to ban ‘bottom trawling’ – a highly destructive form of fishing that involves dragging weighted nets across the seabed.
Mr Seely said a ban on bottom trawling would be good for small fishing communities and would protect fragile marine ecosystems.
Support from the Island
Speaking during a Westminster Hall debate yesterday (28 June) Seely said,
“I think there would be very strong support on the Isle of Wight for a ban on bottom trawling in all MPAs [Marine Protected Areas].”
He said a ban, combined with a marine reserve – such as the one in Lyme Bay where fishing and other activity is allowed as long as none are damaging to the seabed or to nature conservation – would be very good news for the Island.
Seely: Urge Gov to go further
Speaking after the debate, Seely said,
“While I’m pleased the government has committed to banning bottom trawling in four Marine Protected Areas, I want – and urge – them to go much further and faster.
“This damaging fishing practice continues to destroy the marine life we want to protect.
“We are now in a position, having exited the European Union, to ban bottom trawling and take back control of our waters. Now is the time for the government to act.”
News shared by the office of Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Robert Seely, in their own words. Ed
Image: © Transform Bottom Trawling
