Dolphin Bycatch Welfare in Tuna Fisheries

Spinner and spotted dolphins are caught in purse seine tuna fisheries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, with significant welfare harms during encirclement and release procedures.

Key Facts

The ETP tuna fishery sets on dolphin pods because tuna aggregate below them
The 1990 Dolphin Safe labelling standard required backdown procedure to allow dolphin escape
Backdown procedure injuries include internal haemorrhage from net pressure
An estimated 2,000-5,000 dolphins still die annually in ETP tuna fisheries
Dolphin Safe labelling has reduced but not eliminated dolphin mortality in this fishery

Welfare Considerations

Dolphin bycatch welfare in tuna fisheries involves both mortality and sub-lethal harm: the encirclement process causes panic, separation from family groups, and physical injury from net contact. Backdown release procedures allow escape but the pressure against the net causes internal injuries in some individuals. The welfare harm extends beyond the immediate event — family group disruption in highly social species causes ongoing social stress. Alternative fishing methods (pole-and-line, FAD-free sets) avoid dolphin interaction entirely.

What You Can Do

Choose Dolphin Safe certified tuna from FAD-free or pole-and-line sources
Ask retailers about their tuna sourcing and dolphin interaction levels
Advocate for the most protective Dolphin Safe standards globally
Support Earth Island Institute's International Dolphin Safe monitoring programme
Reduce tuna consumption to decrease pressure on fisheries with dolphin interaction