It is the intention of the UK government to take measures prohibiting bottom towed fishing activities in specified areas to protect designated Annex I reef features of certain UK marine Natura 2000 sites. In order to apply these measures to all vessels, including fishing vessels of other Member States of the EU, the UK is following the procedures laid out in article 9 of Reg. 2371/2002 of the EU. The measures which the UK intends to take, and the relevant Member States affected are below:
The Land’s End and Cape Bank European marine site (specified area) bottom towed fishing gear byelaw – France and Belgium (Annex I)
The Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone European marine site (specified areas) bottom towed fishing gear byelaw – France and Belgium (Annex II)
The Haisborough, Hammond and Winterton European marine site (specified areas) bottom towed fishing gear byelaw - Belgium (Annex III)