Cetaceans including dolphins and porpoises die in large numbers as bycatch in various fishing gears, causing significant welfare impacts and conservation concern.
Cetaceans caught as bycatch drown in nets over minutes to hours in what is likely a highly distressing experience for animals that breathe air and have sophisticated social awareness. The scale of cetacean bycatch represents enormous aggregate suffering for intelligent, social animals. Available bycatch reduction technologies including acoustic deterrents and modified gear can dramatically reduce cetacean bycatch.