PLANS for a protest against industrial fishing have been blocked at Poole Harbour after a government intervention threatened legal action.

Greenpeace UK has been thwarted in their attempts to extend its boulder barrier in the South West Deeps to block industrial fishing, which it says damages marine habitats by dragging heavy nets across the seafloor.

On Thursday, September 8, activists and crew members attempting to load eight more boulders onto the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise while docked at Poole Quay were blocked after threats of legal action were allegedly made by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

It is understood, after the MMO liaised with Poole Harbour Commissioners, the gates to Bulwark Quay where the ship is berthed were locked.

A Marine Management Organisation spokesperson said: “We were informed by Greenpeace yesterday (September 7) that it intends to collect more boulders and drop them into the sea at South West Deeps in what it refers to as a peaceful protest to prevent ‘destructive bottom trawling’.

Dorset Echo: Greenpeace UK boulder crashes into the sea at the South West Deeps Picture: Kristian Buus/GreenpeaceGreenpeace UK boulder crashes into the sea at the South West Deeps Picture: Kristian Buus/Greenpeace (Image: Kristian Buus/Greenpeace)

“This would mean further boulder drops into the marine space without the required marine licences.

“We are extremely disappointed that Greenpeace intends to continue with its actions. Greenpeace is aware of the work that is being undertaken by MMO to protect these sites and the process that must be followed, and Greenpeace was left in no doubt following the judicial comments in the previous court proceedings, that it is expected to comply with the marine licensing regime.

“We will continue to monitor and investigate as appropriate.”

Will McCallum, head of oceans at Greenpeace UK, said: “The MMO has put an astonishing amount of energy into trying to stop marine protection. They are using intimidation tactics to block ocean defenders, while brazenly allowing industrial fishing vessels to destroy seabed habitats in our so-called Marine Protected Areas.

“We stand by our demand that industrial fishing is banned in every UK Marine Protected Area, by adding a simple clause to commercial fishing licences. We won’t stop until our oceans are truly protected.”

Dorset Echo: The Greenpeace Arctic Sunrise near the South West Deeps. Picture: Kristian Buus/GreenpeaceThe Greenpeace Arctic Sunrise near the South West Deeps. Picture: Kristian Buus/Greenpeace (Image: Kristian Buus/Greenpeace)

Jim Stewart, Poole Harbour Commissioners chief executive, said: “On Wednesday, the Greenpeace vessel Arctic Sunrise berthed in the Port of Poole for the purposes of crew change and taking on supplies. PHC were subsequently advised that Greenpeace wished to load a cargo of boulders, which PHC understand were to be deposited in an area controlled by the [MMO].

“PHC subsequently received an email from the MMO instructing PHC not to allow the loading of the boulders in the port and we have been advised that failure to comply with this instruction could result in criminal charges being brought against PHC.

“PHC have therefore complied with this instruction. Following discussions with Dorset Police, PHC are willing to offer the use of PHC facilities for a peaceful demonstration and Greenpeace press conference, should they so wish.”