Formal Consultation - MMO management of fishing activity impacts in marine protected areas - Stage 2

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking views on a draft byelaw, and associated Impact Assessment, to manage fishing using bottom towed gear in specified areas in 13 marine protected areas (MPAs). This byelaw is part of Stage 2 of the MMO's work to manage fishing in England’s offshore MPAs. Stage 2 focusses on the management of bottom towed gear over rock, and rocky and biogenic reef features. These features are some of the most sensitive to the impacts of bottom towed fishing. A call for evidence on a draft assessment of the impact of bottom towed gear on these features was held between 14 May and 10 July 2022. The MPAs considered in Stage 2 are listed and mapped below. This map is also available as a WebApp which can be accessed via this link. Cape Bank East of Haig Fras Farnes East Foreland&#