Our seas are in crisis - and this is our chance to turn the tide.

Right now, the UK Government is consulting on a long-overdue proposal to ban bottom-towed fishing gear - like bottom trawling - in 41 English Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These fragile areas include vital habitats like reefs, seagrass beds, and nursery grounds for species we all care about.

Bottom trawling is like bulldozing the seabed. It destroys everything in its path: fragile habitats, juvenile fish, and the biodiversity that keeps our oceans alive. It’s one of the most destructive forms of fishing, and yet it still takes place inside areas that are meant to be protected.

This petition is your chance to say no more.

We’re calling on sea anglers, coastal communities, and ocean lovers everywhere to support the ban—and to and to tell the UK Government that Marine Protected Areas must actually provide protection.. Healthy seas mean more fish, more wildlife, and better fishing opportunities for future generations. It’s a win for conservation and for responsible, low-impact fishing.

Why This Matters to Sea Anglers

We care about the sea, and we want fish stocks to recover. When habitats are left alone, fish come back. MPAs boost fish numbers – and that means better fishing for everyone.

Let’s make sure these "protected" areas are actually protected. No more industrial destruction. No more nonsense. If we get this right, anglers will catch more and bigger fish in the long run.

Banning bottom trawling in areas like Farnes East (Northumberland), Fylde MPA (Lancashire), and Inner Bank MPA (Kent) will give vital seabed habitats a chance to recover, boosting marine life and fish stocks. These sites are home to species that matter to recreational anglers - including bass, haddock, and flatfish - all of which rely on healthy seabeds for spawning and feeding. Protecting these areas means better fishing and healthier seas for the future.

That’s why the Angling Trust - on behalf of the sea angling community - is standing up for meaningful protection. 

But we need your voice to make this happen.

Why this matters to coastal communities and ocean lovers

For those who live by the sea - and those who simply love it - the ocean is more than just water. It’s a place of wonder, peace, and connection to nature. Watching dolphins break the surface, seabirds dive for fish, or a shoal of bass in clear shallows is a joy we should all be able to experience. By protecting these special places from destructive fishing, we’re giving nature a chance to recover - and keeping our seas wild, beautiful, and full of life. Protecting our seas helps revive local economies, supports sustainable jobs, and ensures future generations can enjoy thriving, living coastlines.

What You Can Do

✅ Sign this petition to show your support for the proposed ban on bottom trawling in 41 MPAs.
✅ Share it with your friends, club, or charter skipper.
✅ Submit a response to the consultation
✅ Join the Angling Trust and help us fight for the future of sea angling.

About the Angling Trust
The Angling Trust is the national governing body for recreational fishing in England. We champion sustainable sea angling, healthy marine ecosystems, and a fair voice for anglers. We’re proud to represent tens of thousands of passionate anglers - and we invite you to stand with us.

👉 Become a member today: https://anglingtrust.net/membership/

Together, we can end the hypocrisy of industrial destruction inside "protected" areas. Let’s restore our seas for fish, for nature, and for the future of sea angling.