Highly Protected Marine Areas

9 Jun 2025 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Protecting Our Oceans

UIN: HCWS690 The Government is committed to protecting the ocean. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are pivotal to our ambitions to preserve and improve our seas. They are central to our international commitment to protect 30% of global seas by 2030. …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓

9 Jun 2025 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Protecting Our Oceans

UIN: HLWS688 My Right Honourable Friend, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed MP, has made the following Written Statement. The Government is committed to protecting the ocean. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are pivotal to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓

6 Sep 2024 | Bill stage Context · primary home: Marine Protected Areas (Botto… linked

Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) Bill [HL]

Motion to Withdraw 10:07:00 Moved by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: That the Bill be withdrawn. Motion agreed.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

30 Jul 2024 | Bill stage Context · primary home: Marine Protected Areas (Botto… linked

Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) Bill [HL]

First Reading 11:59:00 A Bill to regulate and limit the practice of bottom trawling in marine protected areas; and for connected purposes. The Bill was introduced by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick, read a first time and ordered to be printed.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

13 Mar 2024 | Bill Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity (Ratification of Treaty) Bill — Bill 67 2023-24 (as introduced)

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Bill 67 2023-24 (as introduced)

11 Dec 2023 | Bill introduced linked

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity (Ratification of Treaty) Bill — First reading

A Bill to make provision in connection with the ratification by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

14 Sep 2023 | Consultation (closed) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Formal Consultation - MMO management of fishing activity impacts in highly protected marine areas — consultation closed

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is consulting on a proposed byelaw to prohibit fishing activity to protect and allow full recovery of all species and habitats and associated ecosystem processes in the following three English highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) .

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

3 Aug 2023 | Consultation (closed) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Formal Consultation - MMO management of fishing activity impacts in highly protected marine areas — consultation opened

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is consulting on a proposed byelaw to prohibit fishing activity to protect and allow full recovery of all species and habitats and associated ecosystem processes in the following three English highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) .

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

5 Jul 2023 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Dolphin Head

In response to: Highly Protected Marine Areas: Dolphin Head

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

5 Jul 2023 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

North East of Farnes Deep

In response to: Highly Protected Marine Areas: North East of Farnes Deep

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

5 Jul 2023 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Allonby Bay

In response to: Highly Protected Marine Areas: Allonby Bay

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

5 Jul 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Highly Protected Marine Areas

UIN: HLWS899 My Right Honourable friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Thérèse Coffey) has made the following Statement.Three Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters - North East of Farnes Deep, Allonby Bay and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

5 Jul 2023 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Context · primary home: Highly Protected Marine Areas… linked

Dolphin Head

Information about the Highly Protected Marine Area designation at Dolphin Head in the English Channel.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Highly Protected Marine Areas: Dolphin Head

+1 more

↓ Map of Dolphin Head HPMA (1pp)

5 Jul 2023 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Context · primary home: Highly Protected Marine Areas… linked

North East of Farnes Deep

Information about the Highly Protected Marine Area designation at North East of Farnes Deep in the North Sea.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Highly Protected Marine Areas: North East of Fa…

+1 more

↓ Map of the North East of Farnes Deep HPMA (1pp)

5 Jul 2023 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Context · primary home: Highly Protected Marine Areas… linked

Allonby Bay

Information about the Highly Protected Marine Area designation at Allonby Bay in the Irish Sea.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Highly Protected Marine Areas: Allonby Bay

+1 more

↓ Map of Allonby Bay HPMA (1pp)

25 May 2023 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs)

In response to: Highly Protected Marine Areas: policy information

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

25 May 2023 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

policy information

The paper outlines the rationale for Highly Protected Marine Areas, gives an overview of the sites intended for designation and provides details of the selection process.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs)

+1 more

↓ Pilot Highly Protected Marine Areas: de minimis assessment

28 Feb 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Annex 1: organisations that responded to the consultation — outcome published

In response to: Highly Protected Marine Areas pilot sites

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

28 Feb 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Annex 2: summary of points raised in meetings — outcome published

In response to: Highly Protected Marine Areas pilot sites

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

28 Feb 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Summary of responses — outcome published

In response to: Highly Protected Marine Areas pilot sites

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

28 Feb 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Marine Protection Update

UIN: HCWS585 I am announcing my intention to designate the first Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) – North East of Farnes Deep, Allonby Bay and Dolphin Head. These will contribute to the government’s vision under our UK Marine Strategy for …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

28 Feb 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Marine Protection Update

UIN: HLWS573 My Right Honourable friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Dr Thérèse Coffey) has made the following Statement.I am announcing my intention to designate the first Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) – North East …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

28 Feb 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Highly Protected Marine Areas pilot sites — outcome published

The UK government is consulting on pilot Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters for biodiversity recovery.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Summary of responses

+3 more

↓ Annex 1: organisations that responded to the consultation ↓ Annex 2: summary of points raised in meetings ↓ Annex 3: quantitative answers to survey questions on Citize… (170pp)

28 Sep 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Highly Protected Marine Areas pilot sites — consultation closed

The UK government is consulting on pilot Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters for biodiversity recovery.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Summary of responses

+3 more

↓ Annex 1: organisations that responded to the consultation ↓ Annex 2: summary of points raised in meetings ↓ Annex 3: quantitative answers to survey questions on Citize… (170pp)

28 Sep 2022 | Consultation (closed) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Consultation on Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) — consultation closed

The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on the proposals to designate a number of candidate Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters. HPMAs are areas of the sea that allow the protection and full recovery …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

6 Jul 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Highly Protected Marine Areas pilot sites — consultation opened

The UK government is consulting on pilot Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters for biodiversity recovery.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Summary of responses

+3 more

↓ Annex 1: organisations that responded to the consultation ↓ Annex 2: summary of points raised in meetings ↓ Annex 3: quantitative answers to survey questions on Citize… (170pp)

6 Jul 2022 | Consultation (closed) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Consultation on Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) — consultation opened

The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on the proposals to designate a number of candidate Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in English waters. HPMAs are areas of the sea that allow the protection and full recovery …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

16 Jun 2022 | Bill stage Context · primary home: Marine Protected Areas (Botto… linked

Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) Bill [HL]

First Reading 11:48:00 A Bill to regulate and limit the practice of bottom trawling in marine protected areas, and for connected purposes. The Bill was introduced by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (on behalf of Lord Randall of Uxbridge), read a …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

6 May 2022 | Second reading linked

Seals (Protection) Bill — Second reading

A Bill to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to make the intentional or reckless disturbance or harassment of seals an offence; to make further provision about the protection of seals; and fo

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

6 May 2022 | Second reading linked

Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) Bill — Second reading

A Bill to regulate and limit the practice of bottom trawling in marine protected areas, and for connected purposes.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

1 Mar 2022 | Bill introduced linked

Marine Protected Areas (Bottom Trawling) Bill — First reading

A Bill to regulate and limit the practice of bottom trawling in marine protected areas, and for connected purposes.

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

9 Feb 2022 | Bill introduced linked

Seals (Protection) Bill — First reading

A Bill to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to make the intentional or reckless disturbance or harassment of seals an offence; to make further provision about the protection of seals; and fo

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

8 Jun 2021 | Government response Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Government response to the Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) review

In response to: Government response to the Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) review

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

8 Jun 2021 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Government response to the Benyon Review

UIN: HCWS71 In 2019 the Government commissioned Richard Benyon to conduct a review of the potential role for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs). HPMAs are similar to the Marine Conservation Zones already established. However, there is strict protection with a …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

8 Jun 2021 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Government response to the Benyon Review

UIN: HLWS70 My Right Hon Friend the Secretary of State (George Eustice) has today made the following statement.In 2019 the Government commissioned Richard Benyon to conduct a review of the potential role for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs). HPMAs are …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

17 Feb 2020 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Solent and Dorset Coast potential Special Protection Area: outcome — outcome published

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal to designate a marine site as a potential Special Protection Area (pSPA).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: consultation summ… (4pp)

+3 more

↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: departmental brief (70pp) ↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: consultation report (54pp)

19 Dec 2017 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Poole Harbour Special Protection Area extension: consultation outcome — outcome published

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal to extend the Special Protection Area (SPA) marine site.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: consultation summary (4pp)

+5 more

↓ Poole Harbour SPA: departmental brief (33pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: boundary of extended area (1pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: consultation report (45pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: final map area (1pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: citation (3pp)

7 Sep 2017 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Hamford Water Special Protection Area extension: consultation outcome — outcome published

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal for a marine extension to the existing Special Protection Area (SPA).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Hamford Water SPA: consultation summary (4pp)

+5 more

↓ Hamford Water SPA: departmental brief (34pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: boundary of extended area (1pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: consultation report (19pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: final map area (1pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: citation (2pp)

7 Sep 2017 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Northumberland Marine potential Special Protection Area: consultation outcome — outcome published

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal to designate a marine site as a potential Special Protection Area (pSPA).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Northumberland Marine pSPA: consultation summary (5pp)

+11 more

↓ Northumberland Marine pSPA: departmental brief (77pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine pSPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Coquet Island SPA: departmental brief (19pp) ↓ Coquet Island SPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Farne Islands SPA: departmental brief (20pp) ↓ Farne Islands SPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Northumbria Coast SPA: departmental brief (15pp) ↓ Northumbria Coast SPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine SPA: consultation report (27pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine SPA: final map area (1pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine SPA: citation (2pp)

17 Jan 2017 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Solent and Dorset Coast potential Special Protection Area: outcome — consultation closed

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal to designate a marine site as a potential Special Protection Area (pSPA).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: consultation summ… (4pp)

+3 more

↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: departmental brief (70pp) ↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: consultation report (54pp)

18 Sep 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Solent and Dorset Coast potential Special Protection Area: outcome — consultation opened

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal to designate a marine site as a potential Special Protection Area (pSPA).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: consultation summ… (4pp)

+3 more

↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: departmental brief (70pp) ↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Solent and Dorset Coast pSPA: consultation report (54pp)

21 Apr 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Northumberland Marine potential Special Protection Area: consultation outcome — consultation closed

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal to designate a marine site as a potential Special Protection Area (pSPA).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Northumberland Marine pSPA: consultation summary (5pp)

+11 more

↓ Northumberland Marine pSPA: departmental brief (77pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine pSPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Coquet Island SPA: departmental brief (19pp) ↓ Coquet Island SPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Farne Islands SPA: departmental brief (20pp) ↓ Farne Islands SPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Northumbria Coast SPA: departmental brief (15pp) ↓ Northumbria Coast SPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine SPA: consultation report (27pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine SPA: final map area (1pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine SPA: citation (2pp)

21 Apr 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Hamford Water Special Protection Area extension: consultation outcome — consultation closed

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal for a marine extension to the existing Special Protection Area (SPA).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Hamford Water SPA: consultation summary (4pp)

+5 more

↓ Hamford Water SPA: departmental brief (34pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: boundary of extended area (1pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: consultation report (19pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: final map area (1pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: citation (2pp)

21 Apr 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Poole Harbour Special Protection Area extension: consultation outcome — consultation closed

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal to extend the Special Protection Area (SPA) marine site.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: consultation summary (4pp)

+5 more

↓ Poole Harbour SPA: departmental brief (33pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: boundary of extended area (1pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: consultation report (45pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: final map area (1pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: citation (3pp)

21 Jan 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Northumberland Marine potential Special Protection Area: consultation outcome — consultation opened

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal to designate a marine site as a potential Special Protection Area (pSPA).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Northumberland Marine pSPA: consultation summary (5pp)

+11 more

↓ Northumberland Marine pSPA: departmental brief (77pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine pSPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Coquet Island SPA: departmental brief (19pp) ↓ Coquet Island SPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Farne Islands SPA: departmental brief (20pp) ↓ Farne Islands SPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Northumbria Coast SPA: departmental brief (15pp) ↓ Northumbria Coast SPA: boundary map (1pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine SPA: consultation report (27pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine SPA: final map area (1pp) ↓ Northumberland Marine SPA: citation (2pp)

21 Jan 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Hamford Water Special Protection Area extension: consultation outcome — consultation opened

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal for a marine extension to the existing Special Protection Area (SPA).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Hamford Water SPA: consultation summary (4pp)

+5 more

↓ Hamford Water SPA: departmental brief (34pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: boundary of extended area (1pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: consultation report (19pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: final map area (1pp) ↓ Hamford Water SPA: citation (2pp)

21 Jan 2016 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Natural England linked

Poole Harbour Special Protection Area extension: consultation outcome — consultation opened

Natural England is seeking views on the proposal to extend the Special Protection Area (SPA) marine site.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: consultation summary (4pp)

+5 more

↓ Poole Harbour SPA: departmental brief (33pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: boundary of extended area (1pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: consultation report (45pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: final map area (1pp) ↓ Poole Harbour SPA: citation (3pp)