Safety warning to fishing vessels over boulders dropped in English Channel

Fishing vessels are being warned to take extra care in the English Channel after reports were received that 18 boulders had been dumped on the seabed within the Brighton Offshore Marine Protection Zone.
An investigation is being led by the Marine Management Organisation, which the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is assisting with.
A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “We are concerned for the safety of fishing vessels operating in this area, which are engaged in trawling activities, as there is potential for them to snag their gear on any obstructions on the seabed.”
“We’d urge them to check the positions of where the boulders have been dropped.”
Further information about where the boulders are reported to have been dropped, can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mmo-statement-24-february-2021

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