The Lyme Bay model demonstrates how well-managed marine protected areas can restore ecosystems and support local communities. Lyme Bay, a biodiversity hotspot known as England’s coral garden, hosts over 1,300 marine species, including rare pink sea fans and sunset coral. In 2008, 206 sq km was closed to bottom-towed fishing to protect reef habitats, later expanding to 312 sq km in 2017. However, this led to increased static gear use, raising concerns among fishers. In response, Blue Marine established a working group in 2012 to unite fishers, scientists, and regulators in managing a sustainable, community-focused, multiple-use marine protected areas.
Into the Blue: November/ December 2025
This issue of ‘Into the Blue’ covers the High Seas Treaty coming into force in January 2026, the pressures facing Antarctic krill, the World Trade Organisation’s agreement to curb harmful fishing subsidies and increased funding for the UK’s Blue Belt Programme.
22 December 2025