27 Sep 2022
A fishing ban at Lindisfarne has been opposed by councillors, with claims by one it would turn it “into a museum”, the BBC has reported. The government is exploring creating a Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA) which would see commercial and recreational fishing halted. Conservative-led Northumberland County Council heard this week such a move would “devastate” the […]
29 Sep 2020
I came across this news piece on the NFFO website whilst looking for their views on the Greenpeace Dogger bank action (nothing yet). It reminded me of the Yes Minister episode where Sir Humphrey explains to the Minister how you discredit a report. (Interestingly interspersed with Australian politicians arguing why they shouldn’t act on climate […]
26 Oct 2019
Consultation details Defra ‘As part of the UK government’s commitment to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it, an independent review of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) – which represent the upper end of environmental protection – was publicly launched on the 8 June 2019. The 6 month review, led by ex-fisheries Minister Richard […]
11 Jun 2019
New – the Panel members for the Review were announced in late July – click to the link Bob Earll There has been a long standing, high level and significant block within Defra to the idea of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs). This has included Natural England being told not to include this idea in […]
25 Jun 2018
Who is blocking Highly Protected Marine Areas? Dr Jean-Luc Solandt Principal Specialist, Marine Protected Areas, Marine Conservation Society 01989 561594 / 07793 118387 www.mcsuk.org Dr Sue Gubbay, Independent Marine Consultant Dr Bob Earll, Communications and Management for Sustainability, Dear Mr Gove, This blog is prompted by the eventual release of a research assessment of HPMAs […]