Marine & Wildlife

Wild Harbour Porpoise Bycatch Reduction

Harbour porpoises are frequently caught and drowned in fishing gear across the UK and Europe, making bycatch reduction a top cetacean welfare priority.

Key Facts

Harbour porpoises are the most common cetacean in UK waters
An estimated 5,000-7,000 porpoises die annually in gillnets across European waters
Acoustic deterrents (pingers) reduce porpoise bycatch by 60-90% in studies
The ASCOBANS agreement aims to reduce porpoise bycatch to near zero
Observer coverage of fishing vessels is needed to accurately estimate bycatch mortality

Welfare Considerations

Drowning in fishing nets causes a prolonged, distressing death for porpoises. Pinger technology and gear modification offer proven, practical solutions at relatively low cost.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory pinger use on gillnet fleets in porpoise-rich waters
Choose seafood from fisheries with low bycatch certification
Advocate for expanded at-sea observer programmes to monitor cetacean bycatch