Home / Environment / Art Fights Trawling: Students Save Seas at Boardmasters
Art Fights Trawling: Students Save Seas at Boardmasters
25 Jul
Summary
- Student artworks highlight bottom trawl fishing impact at Boardmasters.
- Oceana reports over 100 days of suspected bottom trawling last year.
- Defra bans bottom trawling in over 100 Marine Protected Areas.
Artwork by Falmouth University students is being exhibited at the Boardmasters festival as part of a campaign advocating for stronger marine habitat protections. This collaboration with environmental charity Oceana and the festival aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of bottom trawl fishing on Cornwall's seas.
Oceana's data indicated that the marine protected area near Newquay, where the festival is held, experienced over 2,494 hours of suspected bottom trawling in 2025. This fishing method involves dragging large nets across the seabed. Hugo Tagholm of Oceana emphasized the importance of protecting marine sanctuaries for ocean health.
In response, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated that bottom trawling is already prohibited in more than 100 Marine Protected Areas. Defra is currently considering proposals to extend these bans to an additional 41 sites, reinforcing their commitment to marine environmental protection and sustainable fishing practices.
The student artworks will be featured at the festival's View stage, offering attendees a creative perspective on the environmental issues facing the region's coastline. Boardmasters views this as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting its coastal home.
