Two years ago we took a significant step towards healthier seas and a more sustainable future for our fishing industry.
On 22 March 2024, new rules came into force prohibiting the use of bottom towed fishing gear across reef and rocky habitats in 13 English offshore marine protected areas (MPAs). This protected almost 4,000 square kilometres of seabed from damaging fishing activity.
The sites protected were:
Cape Bank East of Haig Fras Farnes East Foreland Haig Fras Haisborough, Hammond and Winterton Hartland Point to Tintagel Goodwin Sands Land’s End and Cape Bank North Norfolk Sandbanks and Saturn Reef Offshore Brighton South of Celtic Deep Wight-Barfleur Reef Rocky reef ©Natural England/Keith Hiscock #HiddenSeasThese MPAs are home to some of our most fragile and precious marine habitats and species, including pink sea fan colonies, Ross worm reefs and delicate sponges. Their protected features are essential for a functioning marine ecosystem. They support the wider food chain and, in turn, the commercial fish stocks that fishing communities depend on.
These rules were delivered through MMO’s Stage 2 MPA byelaws and are part of our ambitious programme to protect all English offshore MPAs from damaging fishing activity.
When they came into force in 2024, the total area of our seas covered by MMO byelaws rose to almost 18,000 square kilometres - an area larger than Yorkshire and Kent combined.
Compliance and enforcement
We’re proud to report that compliance with MPA byelaws is consistently high. Incursions into closed areas are relatively rare, and repeat offences are even rarer. This is testament to our successful approach and the adaptability of our fishing industry who we thank for their continued commitment to marine conservation by following these rules.
In May 2025, we secured our first prosecution for contravention of an MPA byelaw, resulting in a guilty plea and a £40,000 financial order.
More recently in January 2026, we secured a second prosecution for illegal bottom towed fishing activity within the Offshore Brighton Marine Conservation Zone.
This demonstrates our ability to take decisive action when required.
Stage 3 MPA Consultation update
Most recently in 2025, we delivered our Stage 3 Marine Protected Areas Formal Consultation.
This was the most extensive and complex MPA consultation we have ever undertaken, with the total area of seabed that would be protected by our proposals being around 30,000 km².
Launched on 9 June 2025, the consultation ran for sixteen weeks. This is the longest and most extensive MPA consultation we've run to date, recognising feedback from industry that more time would be needed to fully understand and response to our proposals
We grouped the MPAs included into regions and sought views on four proposed regional byelaws aimed at protecting sensitive habitats and species across 42 of England's MPAs.
We remain grateful to everyone who took part through our online survey, virtual meetings and in-person events held around the coast.
A record number of responses were received. We continue to review all submissions to ensure that all views and additional evidence are fully considered before any decisions are made on future management measures.
We appreciate that everyone's patience while this process continues and will provide updates, including details of our next steps, as soon as they are available.
Stage 4 protecting highly mobile species
Harbour porpoise ©Terry CarneThe MMO is assessing and will consider management measures for offshore marine protected areas (MPAs) designated for harbour porpoise and marine birds.
In Autumn 2025 we gathered further evidence and views on options to manage harbour porpoise bycatch in:
Southern North Sea MPA Bristol Channel Approaches MPAThank you to everyone who has already shared early views on our potential management options. This is an important step before we consider a future formal consultation.
Managing harbour porpoise bycatch in English waters - GOV.UK
For future updates on MPAs, please visit: Managing fishing in marine protected areas - GOV.UK
seen at 14:40, 23 March in Marine Development Blog.