Lyme Bay: A Conservation Success Story or a Failure?
Lyme Bay was meant to be a triumph of marine conservation, but fishermen are losing faith in it. A fisherman in Lyme Regis expressed his frustration, saying
“It’s annoying, really, the way they say this area is a success”, as he gestured towards the sea.
Despite being celebrated as a global success story, the mood among fishermen in Lyme Regis is one of concern. They speak of
“conflict, collapsing stocks, and a future that feels increasingly uncertain”.
The Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) is located in a charming seaside town on England’s south coast and is considered a
“paradise regained”on paper, with scientific reports showing ecological recovery.
- Scientific reports highlight striking figures of ecological recovery
- Fishermen report conflict, collapsing stocks, and uncertainty
Author's summary: Fishermen in Lyme Bay are losing faith in conservation efforts.