Call for evidence – gear-feature interactions in marine protected areas - Stage 3

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking additional evidence and views on our draft ' Stage 3 Fishing Gear MPA Impacts Evidence' documents in relation to the impacts of fishing on designated features in marine protected areas (MPAs). These documents collate and analyse the best available evidence on the impacts of fishing gears on MPA features and will inform site level assessments of the impact of fishing on MPAs as part of Stage 3 of the MMO’s work to manage fishing in MPAs. MMO held a call for evidence for Stage 2 MPAs between 14 May and 10 July 2022, which focused on interactions between bottom towed fishing and rock and reef features. We have launched a formal consultation on a draft byelaw to manage these interactions, the formal consultation can be accessed here . Stage 3 covers all remaining interactions between fishing gear and designated seabed features within MPAs not already assessed in Stages 1 and 2. The i