The Know Daily - Wednesday 11 June 2025

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Just three weeks after David Sullivan installed a defibrillator at Mount Everest Base Camp, it helped save a woman’s life. After founding Code Blue CPR – a training school for lifesaving skills – he placed the device in one of the world’s most remote and high-risk locations 🏔️ Now it’s the highest permanent defib on the planet and already making a difference.

🌊 Protecting the UK’s seabeds

Bottom trawling – a fishing method that involves dragging heavy nets along the seafloor – could soon be banned in more parts of UK waters. 

What is bottom trawling?
Bottom trawling is efficient, but unsparing. It involves vessels dragging large weighted nets across the ocean floor to scoop up fish and shellfish. But coral reefs, sponges, and ancient habitats can also get caught in the net as ‘bycatch’. The practice can flatten underwater ecosystems that have taken decades (even centuries) to form and, while it can deliver big catches to meet global demand, it's been heavily criticised for its long-term impact on biodiversity and ocean health. 

What will the ban mean?
The UK government’s proposed ban would apply to more marine protected areas (MPAs). Currently only four are fully protected from trawling, but the new proposal would extend to almost half of the 181 English MPAs – a significant step towards the government's pledge to help protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Other countries are also stepping up with pledges to ban or strongly restrict bottom trawling in MPAs, including France, Sweden and Greece.

Why is this happening now?
Awareness is growing and public sentiment has shifted. Ocean health is no longer just a scientific concern but a social one too. NGOs, researchers, and campaigners have been steadily building the case for change and consumers are more engaged, asking where their seafood comes from and what practices are used to get it. Oh, and David Attenborough’s latest film has certainly helped. His message about marine habitats gave people a visual anchor and set the tone ahead of the UN Ocean Conference this week. It didn’t start the conversation, but it made it much louder.

But won’t this hurt the fishing industry?
There is some tension there. While some fishing communities worry about livelihoods and access, many also recognise that without healthy oceans, there’s a bigger concern for the future of fishing. Alternatives like selective gear, low-impact methods, and sustainable quotas are gaining traction. This isn’t about shutting down fishing – it’s about taking a more thoughtful approach.

So where does this leave us?
Many say that a wider ban on sea trawling is long overdue but is still an important step. It says something about the kind of planet we want to leave behind. As Attenborough reminds us, “We must rewild the world.” And with World Oceans Day having just passed on Sunday, it feels the perfect moment to reflect not just on the beauty of the seas, but on what it takes to protect them.

Craving some downtime with your besties? We’re giving one lucky reader a three-night stay for up to six guests at the beautiful Lucknow Cottage in the Cotswolds, thanks to our friends at Bolthole Retreats. Just for opening this email you’re already in the running, but if you want to boost your chances 👉 refer a friend 👈 to The Know and snag five extra entries ✨

🤰 Fading baby boom: A new report from the United Nations has found that birth rates are declining across the globe.

• The bigger story: The UN says birth rates aren’t falling because people don’t want children, but because they feel they can’t due to economic factors and difficulty finding a suitable partner. In response, some countries are stepping in, for example mothers in Hungary can stay at home for three years after giving birth.

🚕 AI automobiles: Uber has brought forward trials of driverless taxis in the UK, following a change in parliamentary policy. 

⚡️ Expanding energy: The UK government has announced a £14.2bn investment to build a new clean energy power station.

🐝 Pop philanthropy: Beyoncé has reportedly been giving away free tickets to her Cowboy Carter tour to low income families via London food banks.

🛍️ Back in business: Marks & Spencer has resumed some online clothes orders six weeks after a cyber incident.  

👩‍⚖️ Case dismissed: A New York judge has dismissed Justin Baldoni's $400m defamation lawsuit against his former co-star Blake Lively.

🏝️ Solo spots: The best places to travel in Asia on your own have been released. The winner has us fighting the urge to invest in a new backpack!

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Trivia answer: C) On Tuesday the iconic venue turned into Dorothy's house as tickets for the AI-enhanced version of The Wizard of Oz went on sale.

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