The UK government has announced a ban on sandeel fishing in English North Sea waters from April 2024, as part of its Environmental Improvement Plan. The plan also includes further restrictions on bottom trawling and an enhanced framework for national parks and protected areas. Despite these measures, conservation groups argue that they are insufficient. The government is also being urged to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty and improve protection for the UK's domestic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), following its commitment to protect 30% of global and domestic waters by 2030.