Marine Life

Harbor Porpoise Bycatch and Welfare

Harbor porpoises are among the most frequently bycaught cetaceans in European and North Atlantic fisheries, with significant welfare and conservation implications.

Key Facts

Estimated 5,000 to 7,000 harbor porpoises drown as bycatch in European gill net fisheries annually
Drowning in nets causes death over minutes to potentially tens of minutes, representing significant suffering
Acoustic deterrents called pingers reduce porpoise bycatch by 70 to 90% in trials
EU regulations require pinger use on certain net lengths and vessel sizes in designated areas

Welfare Considerations

Bycatch drowning is one of the most prevalent yet overlooked sources of cetacean suffering globally. Harbor porpoises are air-breathing mammals that drown when entangled in gill nets, experiencing hypoxia and physical trauma. Pinger deployment, seasonal closures, and modified net designs reduce bycatch substantially but require enforcement to be effective. Consumers choosing certified sustainable seafood can reduce demand for products from high-bycatch fisheries.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood certified by MSC or similar schemes that include bycatch assessment
Support mandatory pinger use expansion in all European and North Atlantic gill net fisheries
Advocate for bycatch mortality reporting as a legal requirement for all commercial fishing vessels
Donate to organizations monitoring and advocating for porpoise bycatch reduction