Bottom trawling to continue in English protected waters, government rules

Defra says blanket ban on destructive' fishing practice disproportionate as MPs urge minister to reconsider

Seabed bottom trawling, described by the chair of a Commons committee as a destructive" fishing practice, will continue in English marine protected areas (MPAs), the government has announced.

Despite having official designation as protected areas for creatures including dolphins, puffins and seahorses, damaging industrial methods are still allowed to take place.