Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of bottom trawling on (a) the environment and (b) marine life.

Bottom trawling can damage the seabed and marine life if used in the wrong place but also provides catch that is important for food production and supports the fishing industry. Defra is taking an evidence‑based approach to managing fishing impacts.

This includes taking steps to ensure that our Marine Protected Areas are properly protected. The Marine Management Organisation last year ran a consultation on proposals to restrict bottom trawling in a further 41 Marine Protected Areas, following an assessment of the impacts. It is now carefully analysing the large number of responses received, and decisions will be made in due course.