Aquatic Animals

Cetacean Bycatch and Fishing Reform

Thousands of dolphins and porpoises die annually in UK and European waters as bycatch in fishing gear, representing a significant and preventable source of wildlife mortality.

Key Facts

Common dolphins are bycaught in large numbers in bass and hake fisheries
Harbour porpoises are particularly vulnerable to entanglement in static nets
Acoustic deterrents called pingers can reduce porpoise bycatch by up to 95%
The European Commission has proposed emergency bycatch reduction measures
Post-mortem examinations of stranded cetaceans show high bycatch mortality rates

Welfare Considerations

Cetaceans caught in fishing gear drown slowly under extreme stress, representing one of the most welfare-compromising deaths possible for highly conscious marine mammals. Pinger deployment on static nets effectively prevents porpoise entanglement. Modifying fishing gear and practices for bass and hake fisheries can dramatically reduce dolphin bycatch. Consumer choice of certified sustainable fisheries creates economic incentive for adoption.

What You Can Do

Choose fish from MSC-certified fisheries with cetacean bycatch monitoring requirements
Support campaigns for mandatory pinger deployment on static fishing gear
Avoid bass and sea bass during periods of known high dolphin bycatch risk
Advocate for emergency bycatch measures in UK and EU fisheries policy
Donate to ORCA and other cetacean monitoring organisations