"Industrial vessels suspected of using a harmful fishing method known as bottom trawling spent more than 33,000 hours in British marine protected areas last year, a new analysis of satellite data shows.

Ten of these vessels, primarily from the EU, were responsible for a quarter of this activity in offshore protected areas, according to Oceana UK, a conservation group.

Bottom trawling involves dragging metal gear and heavy nets along the seafloor. It scoops up a high proportion of non-target marine species and has a negative impact on biodiversity."

Karen McVeigh reports for the Guardian March 20, 2024. [2]