Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK Sea Mammal Conservation 2026

UK sea mammals including harbour porpoises, dolphins, and harbour seals face welfare challenges from bycatch, pollution, and disturbance.

Key Facts

Harbour porpoise is the most common cetacean in UK waters but faces gillnet bycatch pressure
UK harbour seal populations declined 40% from 2000-2010 and have not recovered
Common dolphin bycatch in UK fisheries kills thousands annually
Acoustic deterrent devices (pingers) reduce harbour porpoise bycatch by 70% in gill nets
Marine Protected Areas for cetaceans are expanding around UK coasts

Welfare Considerations

UK sea mammals face significant welfare threats from human activities. Bycatch reduction, pollution control, and disturbance management are achievable interventions.

What You Can Do

Support organisations working on cetacean bycatch reduction
Advocate for mandatory pinger use in UK gill net fisheries
Choose MSC-certified seafood from fisheries with low cetacean bycatch rates