The survival of certain species of dolphin and porpoise in UK waters is seriously under threat. Dolphins and porpoises are routinely captured and drowned in fishing nets - and this is happening in our UK seas.

You may have seen recent media coverage highlighting the problem of dolphin bycatch – just in early January 2006 twenty-one dolphins were washed up on the beaches of Cornwall, and the most likely culprit was fishing activity in coastal waters. Particularly controversial is the mid-water pair trawl fishery that operates off the southwest of England – this involves towing a large net between two boats to target sea bass. Some of the trawl nets are vast -  ¼ mile wide and ½ mile long!

This fishery has one of the highest levels of bycatch per tow - it is estimated that during the period this seasonal fishery operates (November to April) the death toll is several thousands of dolphins. It is also responsible for decimating sea bass stocks and damaging recreational and artisanal fisheries by removing young adult bass before they have had a chance to spawn or reproduce.

Fisheries closure is the only answer

In December 2004 the UK government banned the pair trawl fishery within 12 miles of the English coast. However. outside this area the fishery continues unabated with many European vessels plying the waters beyond 12 nm. Unfortunately this offshore area is where the highest levels of dolphin bycatch occur. so the ban appears to have done little to solve the problem. MCS. along with other non-governmental organisations. is calling for the immediate closure of this fishery – ideally at a European scale.

The UK Fisheries Minister. Ben Bradshaw recently stated. “I remain committed to reducing bycatch of common dolphins. and in particular to seeking effective (European) community action to tackle this problem”. However. drowned dolphins are still washing up on our beaches and we appear no closer to an agreement on more effective conservation measures. This is despite the UN Biodiversity Convention that holds the UK and Europe responsible for protecting these animals.

How can you help MCS stop the bycatch?

If you want to help stop these deaths. please write to your MP and/or to the Fisheries Minister. Ben Bradshaw MP. at the address below. urging the Government to take immediate action on these destructive fisheries.

Department for the Environment. Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR

Also write to the European Commissioner for Fisheries. Joe Borg at

European Commission
B-1049 Brussels
Belgium

If you eat fish put pressure on your local supermarket or fish shop to supply fish that has been caught by sustainable methods. For example eat line caught mackerel and sea bass. Make enquiries and avoid eating fish if you suspect that it has been taken in vast trawl nets some of which are ¼ mile wide and ½ mile long!

See the MCS guide to eating environmentally responsible seafood. www.fishonline.org

Support MCS in our campaigns to protect marine life from unsustainable fisheries and pollution by making a donation or joining today

For more information contact the MCS Fisheries Officer:
 
Dr Bryce Beukers-Stewart.
Phone no. (01989) 561584
Email. bryce@mcsuk.org