As we celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Awareness Day, it's fitting that we reflect on the importance of MPAs, the role we play in manging those in English waters and the support we provide internationally to the UK Overseas Territories …
Have you ever been asked to name a UK seabird on the spot? Seagulls probably come to mind first, right? Or maybe you think about those charismatic puffins or bustling ‘seabird cities’ of guillemots. We’re actually home to some of …
Can you believe it’s a brand-new year already? Only last month we launched our latest call for evidence on the impacts of fishing on five English offshore marine protected areas (MPAs). These are the ones designated to protect certain highly …
What is the first animal that springs to mind when you think of a UK marine mammal? A cousin to dolphins, harbour porpoises might not have been your first answer but there are many reasons to care about these fascinating …
Here in the UK we are never far away from the coastline. Our stunning shores, sandy beaches and coastal paths attract millions of visitors every year. This brings an economic boost to local communities, and alongside the growth of staycations …
On 13 June 2022, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) introduced new byelaws to protect four offshore marine protected areas (MPAs) from damaging fishing activity. This marked a significant step in our work to assess and appropriately manage fishing activities to …
It was great to see coverage of the conservation efforts at Studland Bay on BBC’s Springwatch programme (episode 7) recently. The show, which aired on 7 June, highlighted the need to protect the area’s precious seagrass – home to protected …
We want you to have your say on our proposals for managing fishing activities and protecting valuable marine habitats and species in England’s marine protected areas (MPAs). Our latest MPA consultation and call for evidence closes tomorrow night (Tuesday 28 …
Why do reefs need protection? Most people are unaware of the many vitally important habitats which lie offshore beneath the surface of English coastal waters. Rocky and biogenic reefs are two of these important habitats, which need our consideration and …
We’ve launched the next stage in our ambitious project to manage all fishing activities and protect valuable marine habitats in England’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2024. On 17 January 2023, we launched our Stage 2 formal consultation, to seek …