Lyme Bay: A Conservation Success Story in Question
Lyme Bay was meant to be an international conservation success story, but fishermen are losing faith in it.
“It’s annoying, really, the way they say this area is a success,”
A fisherman in Lyme Regis expresses his frustration, gesturing towards the sea from the town’s historic harbor wall, saying
“Everyone I know is either selling their boat or thinking about it”.
The Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) is celebrated as a global triumph of marine conservation, with scientific reports showing ecological recovery. However, fishermen speak of conflict, collapsing stocks, and an uncertain future.
Author's summary: Fishermen lose faith in Lyme Bay conservation.