Marine mammals caught as bycatch in fishing gear experience severe welfare harm. Understanding the scale of the problem and available solutions drives effective advocacy and policy change.
Cetacean bycatch causes some of the most severe acute welfare harm inflicted on wild animals by human activities. Dolphins and porpoises trapped in fishing gear experience extreme stress, physical injury from nets, and ultimately drown when unable to surface to breathe. The welfare harm is compounded by the social disruption in species with strong social bonds, where surviving group members may be affected by the loss of companions. Technical solutions including acoustic deterrents, modified gear designs, and seasonal fishing closures have demonstrated significant bycatch reduction in some fisheries. The political and economic barriers to implementing these solutions require sustained pressure from consumers, environmental organisations, and regulatory bodies to overcome.