Hundreds of thousands of dolphins, porpoises, and whales are killed or injured as bycatch in fishing gear annually, representing one of the largest sources of human-caused cetacean mortality.
Cetacean bycatch causes significant animal suffering: entangled cetaceans typically drown over minutes to hours, while animals that escape or are released often suffer ongoing injuries. The scale - hundreds of thousands of animals annually - makes this one of the most significant welfare challenges in marine systems. Technology solutions (pingers, modified gear, vessel monitoring) and spatial management (exclusion zones, seasonal closures) can dramatically reduce bycatch. Consumer choice of certified low-bycatch seafood and advocacy for stricter bycatch regulations are meaningful welfare actions.