David Levy – Ban bottom trawling in inshore EU seas – Jul 2025

The evidence is legion. Bottom trawling is hugely destructive. Now, at long last, David Attenborough has filmed it and laid the evidence before us in the film Ocean (view it in a cinema), but still bottom trawling goes on.

We have a huge opportunity in front of us, even now, and offered by Brexit. Take back control of what we allow in our sovereign inshore seas – up to 6 Nautical Miles.

No Bottom Trawling by any boats or ships within 6 nautical miles of the shore.

No Factory Ships to operate within our Territorial Waters (out to 12 nautical miles).

Both, effective immediately.

All ships or boats that breach these conditions are to be seized, their catch distributed for local communities, and the boats impounded with a financial penalty and a declaration by the owners that they understand our laws.

It is easy to enforce because every boat has onboard ‘satellite tracking’ of its position – and these are the actions that our national fishing fleets have been waiting for. Strong leadership, directed by Government. It is a pity most politicians have been infected by American bullying techniques – “Let’s Make A Deal” – which is being used instead having a “clear rules” approach that is better understood by those who break the rules and lose out.

What would happen if we did this? It’s well documented – fish stocks will quickly recover. Nature is remarkable and quite resilient.

That’s all shown in David Attenbourough’s film Ocean. See it.