UK MPs join CFT visit to Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve

On 16 July 2026, Open Seas and ClientEarth organised a Coalition for Fisheries Transparency visit for UK Parliamentarians in the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve in West Dorset. It focused on exploring how marine protections, a shift towards lower impact fishing and improved transparency can help to protect marine ecosystems and support a thriving future for the fisheries that depend on a healthy marine environment. Edward Morello MP and Barry Gardiner MP joined the field trip. 

The delegation toured the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve – an area protected from bottom trawling – and Open Seas’ research lead deployed an ROV camera to survey habitats within the protected area. The underwater exploration revealed a thriving ecosystem, showcasing diverse marine life such as sea fans, dead man’s fingers coral, and pout whiting. The survey illustrated the positive impact of well-managed marine protected areas (MPAs) on biodiversity.

MPs and CFT members also had the opportunity to meet with businesses focused on innovative and lower impact seafood, including Sea Sisters, Fishtek Marine, and Sole of Discretion. The group sampled “Disco Scallops”, that is scallops caught using innovative illuminated creel pots, a method that significantly reduces seabed damage compared to traditional dredging. Discussions highlighted the importance of fisheries transparency, from vessel ownership to seafood traceability, in building public trust, supporting responsible businesses, and combating illegal fishing. 

Reflecting on the visit, delegates stressed the need for policies that support small-scale, low-impact fisheries, improve seafood traceability, and strengthen safeguards against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Edward Morello MP praised the community’s dedication to marine stewardship, while Barry Gardiner MP reflected on the remarkable recovery of Lyme Bay’s ecosystem over two decades. Experts from Open Seas and ClientEarth underscored the urgency of protecting fragile marine habitats and enhancing transparency to ensure resilient fisheries and thriving coastal economies for future generations. The implementation of the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency was highlighted as a crucial step the UK Government can take toward these goals.