84 per cent of Cornish residents support a ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs)
Bottom trawling, which destroys reefs, seagrass and marine life, remains legal in all Cornish MPAs in the consultation despite bans elsewhere in the UK
Iconic fish stocks are collapsing: cod in the Celtic Sea is down 98 per cent since 2012 and mackerel is down 78 percent over the last decade
A new Cornwall-wide poll commissioned by ocean conservation charity, Blue Marine Foundation, overwhelming public demand for stronger protections of local seas, with more than 84 per cent of residents calling a ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs) and 87 er cent warning that seabed habitats and fish stocks are at risk without action.
The findings land as ministers prepare to decide the future of England’s offshore MPAs – and whether Cornwall’s supposedly “protected” waters will be genuinely safeguarded or remain open to destructive industrial fishing.
Bottom trawling, which drags heavy nets across the seabed and destroys reefs, seagrass and marine life, remains legal in all Cornish MPAs in the consultation, despite being banned in other parts of the UK.
“This consultation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard our seas,” said Clare Brook, CEO of Blue Marine. “It is a bitter irony that some of Cornwall’s most cherished and supposedly protected areas remain open to the very activities that destroy them. Cornish people know these waters are special. They want strong protection, not half-measures that leave destruction in place.
“Healthy seas are essential for Cornwall’s economy, fisheries and climate resilience. Seagrass meadows and kelp forests capture carbon, support fish stocks and draw tourists, but these benefits can only return if the seabed is allowed to recover. The simplest and most effective way to make that happen is to ban bottom trawling in marine protected areas.”
Public demands government action
Half of those surveyed said the UK government is primarily responsible for protecting Cornwall’s seas, followed by the fishing industry (21 per cent), local communities (12 per cent) and environmental charities (12 per cent).
A coastline in crisis
Cornwall’s inshore waters once teemed with cod, haddock, whiting and herring, but decades of overfishing and habitat loss have left stocks devastated. Cod in the Celtic Sea has plummeted by 98% since 2012, and mackerel by 78 per cent in the last decade.
While some local fishers argue that catch limits or zonal protection are enough, marine science shows otherwise: without full seabed protection, habitats cannot regenerate, and fish populations will not recover.
Cornwall wants lasting protection for future generations
An overwhelming 96 per cent of residents say it’s important that Cornwall’s seas are properly protected so that future generations can enjoy healthy oceans, thriving wildlife and sustainable fisheries. A further nine-in-ten are proud to live among unique coastal ecosystems, and 88% believe the government must act now to end damaging practices like bottom trawling.
Blue Marine and local organisations are urging ministers to act immediately to end bottom trawling in Cornwall’s MPAs, securing the recovery of marine ecosystems vital to both livelihoods and the local economy.
Cornish people are clear: protecting the seabed protects their future. The vast majority – 85 per cent – believe fishing decisions must strike a fair balance between community livelihoods and environmental protection, not pursue half-measures like zonal management that fail both.
“Protected areas where fish can multiply actually safeguard fish populations, resulting in a more plentiful ocean,” said Clare Brook. “Healthy seas, therefore, support local fishermen and livelihoods. These benefits can only return if the seabed is allowed to recover. Banning bottom trawling in marine protected areas is better for everyone’s future.”
