Managing England's Offshore Marine Protected Areas (Whitstable)

On 9 June 2025, the government announced plans to introduce new management measures in 42 offshore English MPAs to help protect vulnerable marine habitats.

As England's marine managers, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is consulting on draft byelaws that would prohibit certain fishing activities – including the use of bottom towed gear and static gear (e.g. traps or nets) in specific areas in these MPAs.

These events are your opportunity to:

• Learn more about the evidence, our assessments, proposals and impacts
• View maps and details of proposed management areas
• Ask questions about the consultation process and how decisions are made and what happends next
• Share your views on how the proposals may affect you
• Contribute local knowledge and evidence to help shape final measures
• Submit formal consultation responses in person

Join us at one of our upcoming engagement events and have your say before consultation closes on 29 September 2025.