Call for evidence on impacts of fishing on harbour porpoise and marine birds launched
As part of the next stages for managing English offshore marine protected areas (MPAs), MMO has launched a call for evidence to support the assessment of fishing on harbour porpoise and marine bird MPAs.
Harbour porpoise with calf
From聽5 December 2023 to 13 February 2024 stakeholders, including fishers, environmental groups and the wider public, are asked to share evidence and their views on the impact of commercial fishing on highly mobile species in offshore MPAs.聽聽
The designation of highly mobile includes harbour porpoises, which are protected in two MPAs, and certain bird species in three MPAs, in MMO鈥檚 jurisdiction. Harbour porpoises are small and round-faced marine mammals found in UK waters and across continental shelf waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. The marine bird species protected include red-throated divers, Sandwich terns, common scoter, little gulls, little terns and common terns.聽聽
Two MPAs within MMO鈥檚 area of responsibility protect harbour porpoise:鈥��
- Southern North Sea聽
- Bristol Channel Approaches聽聽
A further three MPAs protect marine birds in MMO鈥檚 area of responsibility:聽
- Greater Wash聽
- Liverpool Bay聽
- Outer Thames Estuary聽聽
Hilary Florek, Chair of MMO said:聽
鈥淢PAs are designed to protect and recover rare, threatened and important habitats and species. To achieve this and ensure we propose appropriate management measures, we need to consider all available evidence.聽聽
鈥淭o support our latest stages, we鈥檙e asking you to specifically share evidence and views on the impact of fishing on harbour porpoise and protected marine bird species 鈥� these are species protected by five of our offshore MPAs. I also ask that you please view our Stage 4 documents, including the Fishing Gear Impacts Evidence and Call for Evidence Introduction, and share your views to help inform our next steps.鈥欌�櫬�
Marine Minister, Lord Benyon said:
鈥淥ur comprehensive network of MPAs is a key part of how we protect and restore sensitive habitats and species in UK waters.
鈥淭his call for evidence will help us move to the next stage of managing these protected sites and I urge the fishing industry, stakeholders and other interested parties to share their evidence and views to help develop a plan that works for all.鈥�
Those wishing to take part are asked to consider impacts of different types of fishing gear, pressures of interest and potential management options for harbour porpoise and marine birds.聽
To respond, please
Find out more about marine protected areas.