Marine Environment News in Brief - June 2023
Trawling and Blue Carbon Impacts
In 2021, a paper published by Sala and co-authors made significant headlines around the world as it equated the CO2 released by bottom trawling to that generated by the global airline industry. This has now been refuted by Hiddink and co-authors on the basis of a review of 49 other studies that measured CO2 differences before and after trawling.
It is argued that Sala confounded the fresh carbon deposits in the top sediment layer, which would be quickly released by natural processes, with the less reactive carbon stored deeper in the sediment. Hiddink indicated that the CO2 released by bottom trawling is between 100 to 1,000 times lower than calculated in the Sala paper which continues to be quoted as ‘evidence’ in favour of a wider ban on mobile fishing gears by many environmental NGOs.
Benefits of oyster reef restoration and ecosystem services
A meta-analysis of the ecosystem services associated with oyster restoration from 245 pairs of restored and degraded reefs, and 136 pairs of restored and reference reefs has been published. On average, oyster reef restoration was associated with a 21-fold increase in oyster production, 34–97% enhancement of biodiversity and 54% greater nitrogen removal, with restored reefs matching reference reefs for the ecosystem services provided. These results support the continued and expanded use of oyster restoration to enhance marine restoration and habitat functioning.
High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution
Established following the adoption of UN resolution 5/14 ‘End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument’, the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution comprises 58 member countries including the UK (where Defra is leading negotiations on behalf of the UK.) The Coalition has issued a Joint Ministerial Statement, which reinforces their commitment to ending plastic pollution by 2040 and recognises the need for legally binding obligations and control measures.
Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code
Defra have launched England’s first Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code. The Code includes advice for those walking along the coast or taking part in water-based activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding or jet skiing; and offers specific guidance around animals such as seabirds, seals, dolphins, sharks and turtles, including information on breeding seasons and how species might react to disturbance.
Scallop Dredging Legal Challenge
The Open Seas Trust have raised a petition for a judicial review of Marine Scotland’s decision to vary a scallop fishing licence which could potentially put vulnerable inshore habitats at risk, contrary to the requirements of the National Marine Plan. The request has been heard by Lord Braid in the Court of Session (Edinburgh) and a decision will be issued in due course.
Lyme Bay Seafood Trail
A seafood trail has been launched by the Lyme Bay Fisherman’s Community Interest Company (LBF), a not-for-profit company. LBF was set up to help support the 50 small-scale fishermen and inshore fleets from the ports of Axmouth, Beer, Lyme Regis and West Bay. The trail aims to promote the hospitality businesses and retail outlets that buy the members catches.
Consultations:
- 24 July 2023: Scottish Government consultation on implementation timescales for a new environmental quality standard (EQS) for emamectin benzoate (EmBz) which is widely used to control sea-lice in marine finfish farming.
- 4 August 2023: Scottish Government consultation on an appraisal framework for new National Parks.