This week has seen the ocean take centre stage, with the UN World Ocean Conference underway in Nice and the premiere of Ocean with David Attenborough now streaming on Disney Plus. Both events are powerful reminders of how urgently we need to act to protect marine life and the ecosystems that support us all.

Like many, I was in awe watching Ocean, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, which highlights both the beauty of our seas and the pressures they face. One of the most damaging threats is industrial bottom trawling – a practice that drags heavy nets across the seafloor, destroying habitats and releasing stored carbon. It’s clear that we cannot protect marine biodiversity or tackle climate change while this continues unchecked.

That’s why the Scottish Wildlife Trust supports a ban on damaging bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs are places meant to safeguard fragile ecosystems – but protection on paper must mean real change in the water. A holistic approach to management is vital, including long term data collection and scientific monitoring along with properly resourced enforcement.

We welcome the UK Government’s recent consultation on banning bottom trawling in 41 offshore MPAs in English waters. In Scotland, we would like to see swift progress this year towards implementing fisheries management measures in offshore MPAs. We also want to see meaningful engagement with coastal communities during the upcoming inshore MPA consultation later this year, as well as ensuring that the many responsible small-scale fishers who depend on healthy seas for their livelihoods have their voices heard too.

Ultimately, we support a fair and evidence-led transition away from the most damaging fishing practices in MPAs, which should be done by working with those most affected. That means recognising the distinctiveness of Scotland’s fishing sector, where over 75% of boats are small-scale, and ensuring that policies protect both nature and communities.

The UN conference is a vital moment to build global momentum. But the real test lies in what we do next – in Scotland, across the UK and around the world – to restore ocean health and resilience.

Let’s make sure this week marks a turning point.

Ruchir Shah
Director of External Affairs