She called for restrictions on bottom trawling to protect marine habitats, labeling the practice a 'national disgrace' and a wasteful method that damages seabed ecosystems.

Finch-Saunders emphasized that ending bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas would help Wales meet its marine conservation goals of protecting 30% of its seas by 2030 and fulfill its climate commitments.

Other members voiced concerns about destructive practices like scallop dredging in Cardigan Bay, advocating for balanced regulation that considers both environmental protection and economic needs.

Janet Finch-Saunders has criticized Welsh marine protection policies as 'rudderless' and described bottom trawling as highly destructive, releasing carbon and catching untargeted marine life.

Welsh Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies stated that bottom trawling in Wales is relatively limited and assured that management is evidence-led, with plans to respond to any new restrictions based on scientific data.

Finch-Saunders highlighted that less than 1% of Welsh seas are protected from bottom trawling, mainly around Skomer Island, and urged Welsh ministers to follow the UK Government's lead in proposing bans in Marine Protected Areas, which have shown positive results elsewhere.

She referenced the success of Lyme Bay in England, where a ban on bottom trawling increased species richness by 430%, advocating for similar measures in Welsh MPAs to aid ecological recovery.

Sam Kurtz and James Evans discussed the need for balanced regulation, with Kurtz raising issues about razor clam harvesting and Evans warning against overregulation that could harm fishermen's livelihoods.

Concerns were raised over legislative changes affecting traditional cockle harvesting and razor clam extraction, with officials stressing the importance of seabed protection for sustainable livelihoods.

Carolyn Thomas expressed hope for ecological recovery if bottom trawling ends, citing Sir David Attenborough's Ocean documentary to emphasize the potential for restoring marine ecosystems.