Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Ban bottom trawling in all UK waters & ratify UN High Seas Treaty
Closed
713 signatures
What the petition asks
Ban bottom trawling in all UK waters- not just within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Phase out industrial bottom trawling by 2030, ratify the UN High seas treaty - before the September 2025 General Assembly.
Phase out industrial bottom trawling by 2030, ratify the UN High seas treaty - before the September 2025 General Assembly.
We think bottom trawling is a brutal, outdated, and ecologically catastrophic fishing method. It razes the ocean floor, destroys coral and sponge habitats, kills non-target species, and contributes to climate breakdown by releasing massive amounts of carbon stored in marine sediment.
Yet the UK still allows it — even in so-called “protected” areas.
Enough is enough. Restore the ocean while there’s still something left to save.
Yet the UK still allows it — even in so-called “protected” areas.
Enough is enough. Restore the ocean while there’s still something left to save.
Timeline
| 4 Jul 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 4 Jan 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
713
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
4 Jul 2025
Closed
4 Jan 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 2 Aug 2026.