The Bottom Line: The Call to End Bottom Trawling in Marine Protected Areas

At MDL Marinas, we know how much our berth holders and visitors value the health and beauty of the marine environment. As part of our #GreenerMarinas initiative, we aim to keep our customers informed about important environmental issues affecting the seas we all enjoy.

One such issue currently receiving national attention is the ongoing use of bottom trawling in the UK’s marine protected areas (MPAs). A new awareness campaign, The Bottom Line, launched by the Blue Marine Foundation, coincides with the release of OCEAN with David Attenborough - a feature film that presents rare and impactful footage of this destructive fishing practice.

What is Bottom Trawling?

Bottom trawling is an industrial fishing method that involves dragging heavy nets across the seabed to catch fish. While efficient, it causes significant harm by:

• Damaging or destroying delicate habitats such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs
• Releasing stored carbon into the water column, which contributes to climate change
• Disrupting marine life in areas that are meant to be protected

For too long, industrial bottom trawling has happened out of sight and out of mind. David Attenborough’s magnificent film has lifted the lid on a destructive and wasteful practice that has no place in protected areas.

Public Concern is Growing

New polling commissioned by Blue Marine Foundation shows strong public concern over the practice and support for change:

• 77% of UK adults are concerned about the loss of marine life due to bottom trawling
• 75% support a ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas
• Only 26% believe the UK government is doing enough to protect the ocean
• 63% were unaware that trawling is still permitted in MPAs

Despite being labelled as ‘protected’, many MPAs in the UK remain open to bottom trawling. According to recent research:

• 74% of inshore MPAs in England still allow it
• In Scotland, that number rises to 92%

The Ocean Needs Our Voice

Whether you're a boater, part of a waterside residential community, or simply someone who loves the sea, raising awareness of marine issues helps make a difference.

The Bottom Line, led by Blue Marine Foundation and Oceana UK, is encouraging public engagement around bottom trawling in MPAs. If you'd like to learn more or find out how to get involved, click here.

As part of our ongoing #GreenerMarinas commitment, we’re dedicated to sharing information that helps shape a cleaner, healthier future for our oceans.