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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure Marine Protected Areas that protect harbour porpoises are safeguarded from destructive fishing methods.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is currently assessing the impacts of fishing on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) designated to protect harbour porpoise, as part of stage 4 of its programme to manage fishing in England’s offshore MPAs. A call for evidence was completed in 2023 and a period of further engagement with stakeholders was held over recent months. The MMO is now considering a range of management options and will consult before making any final decisions.