Greenpeace to create boulder barrier off Cornish coast

Greenpeace wants to create a barrier in South West Deeps, a protected area 200 miles off Land's End

Greenpeace is planning to dump boulders into the sea off Cornwall in a bid to protect rare seabed habitats from trawler fishing.

The environmental activists said the government was moving too slowly so they were taking direct action.

Greenpeace wants to create a barrier in South West Deeps, a protected area 200 miles off Land's End.

Fishing organisations said it was dangerous and there was no evidence of damage.

Greenpeace said the co-ordinates of the boulders were registered so fishing vessels would be aware of their positions

Conservationists said trawling indiscriminately tears up delicate ecosystems such as seagrasses to catch species such as cod, squid and flatfish.

Greenpeace campaigner Chris Thorn told BBC Radio Cornwall: "South West Deeps is a Marine Protected Areas (MPA) but the most damaging form of fishing is allowed to take place there and it takes place very regularly.

"The heavy fishing gear tears through everything in its path.

"We would prefer not to be doing it but the government is moving at a glacial pace and we are simply running out of time."

He said the co-ordinates of the boulders were registered so fishing vessels would be aware of their positions.

"We would never do anything that puts the health and safety of other seafarers at risk," he said.

'Joint goal'

David Stephens, from the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, rejected the claim.

"If the boulders snag the nets it is a danger to crews working there," he said.

"These fisheries have been used for many years and the fish stocks are improving.

"There is no evidence of damage and it's unbelievable that they are dumping things in the ocean that are a danger."

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) said it was "surprised and disappointed" by Greenpeace's plans and warned of legal action "should unlicensed activity be undertaken".

A spokesperson said trawling with bottom towed gear was banned in four MPAs with a ban under consideration at 13 more.

The MMO had met Greenpeace to discuss plans for MPAs and it "remains open to engagement with Greenpeace to ensure we can achieve our joint goal of managed and protected seas".

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