Tuesday 7 March 2023

Protect the birds!

England’s most precious birds are set to benefit from a new ban on sandeel fishing.

Sandeels are small fish that are a vital food source to vulnerable species such as puffins and kittiwakes.

The government has announced the ban to protect ecosystems and habitats – which Natural England has predicted could see these species flourish and return to normal numbers within a decade.

The ban follows the Environmental Improvement Plan, which will see 30% of the UK’s sea and land protected for nature.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “Britain’s seabirds are beautiful to observe and a treasured part of our coastal environment and their existence and ways of life are crucial to the wider health of our marine ecosystems.

“This consultation is an important step in securing their protection and delivering our commitment in the Environment Improvement Plan to halt the decline of nature and allow wildlife to thrive.”