AN ENVIRONMENTAL group is to depart from Poole Quay to extend an underwater boulder barrier in protest against industrial fishing.

Greenpeace UK created a boulder barrier in the South West Deeps to block industrial fishing, which it says damages marine habitats by dragging heavy nets across the seafloor.

The 18 boulders currently in place are Portland limestone, each weighing between 500kg and 1,400kg, which make it impossible for bottom-towed fishing gear to be dragged along the seabed.

On Thursday, September 8, activists and crew members will load eight more boulders onto the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise, which is currently docked in Poole Quay.

Bournemouth Echo: Limestone boulders for the drop in the South West Deeps are loaded onto the Arctic Sunrise. Picture: Kristian Buus/GreenpeaceLimestone boulders for the drop in the South West Deeps are loaded onto the Arctic Sunrise. Picture: Kristian Buus/Greenpeace (Image: Kristian Buus/Greenpeace)

Will McCallum, head of oceans at Greenpeace UK, said: “Since we created a boulder barrier a week ago to block destructive bottom-trawling in the South West Deeps, the government hasn’t shown any intention to stop industrial fishing boats from devastating the area.

“So, we are planning to extend the boulder barrier we’ve just created to add even more protection.

“Local fishermen are being left with no fish to catch. They’re struggling to make a living while facing the unprecedented cost of living crisis. Our new Prime Minister Liz Truss must immediately ban destructive fishing in every UK Marine Protected Area by tweaking commercial fishing licences.”