The message was clear. Despite designation, the majority of UK MPAs still permit bottom-trawling. Research revealed that 74 per cent of England’s inshore MPAs and 92 per cent in Scotland remain open to this destructive practice.
As much as 80 per cent of everything caught in the nets of bottom-trawlers is discarded or destroyed. ‘It is morally corrupt to allow what should be thriving ecological wildernesses to be reduced to shells of destruction,’ said Stephen Fry.
We launched The Bottom Line on the day of the OCEAN global premiere, accompanied by a public petition calling for a ban on bottom-trawling in marine reserves. More than 17,000 people signed the petition, helping to trigger the UK government’s consultation to prohibit bottom-trawling across 41 English MPAs, which would protect 30,000 sq kms.
A second wave of action followed, fronted by Fry and James, urging the public to respond directly to the consultation. Through the combined campaigning efforts of Blue Marine, Oceana UK and Only One, more than 10,000 consultation responses were then submitted.
The campaign generated 722 pieces of earned media coverage and had an editorial reach of 1.6 billion. Social media content alone was viewed 4.6 million times. Influencers, partners and supporters spread the call for change, and the film was recognised with seven national and international awards.
The Bottom Line united voices across the UK and beyond, demanding that our seas receive the protection they have long been promised. As Attenborough himself noted, ‘It’s hard to imagine a more wasteful way to catch fish.’
The government is reviewing the consultation before its final decision.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who added their voice. Further details are available here.
