Home / Environment / Trawling Bans in West Sussex Seen as "Blueprint" for Coastal Conservation
Trawling Bans in West Sussex Seen as "Blueprint" for Coastal Conservation
29 Sep
Summary
- Fishing campaigners say trawling ban in West Sussex has helped marine wildlife thrive
- Consultation on extending bottom trawling bans to more areas in the South East
- Fishermen and divers praise the dramatic improvements to habitats since the ban
As a government consultation on plans to extend bottom trawling restrictions in the UK nears its end, fishing campaigners are hailing the success of a ban implemented in West Sussex as a potential "blueprint" for other parts of the South East.
Fishermen in Bognor Regis say the prohibition on trawling in their local waters, which has been in place for the past 4.5 years, has allowed marine wildlife to thrive. Clive Mills, a former trawlerman, acknowledges that the aggressive fishing practice can "destroy millions of years of ground in hours."
Divers have also noticed a dramatic improvement in the area's underwater habitats since the ban took effect. "This year it is like someone has clicked a switch," says Eric Smith, a dive leader for Sussex Underwater. "Since the ban the difference is dramatic."
The Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs is now considering whether to implement similar bans in 43 additional areas across the UK, including several sites in the South East region. Campaigners are hopeful that expanding these protections could aid conservation efforts and revive marine ecosystems in other coastal communities.
