Common dolphins strand in large numbers on UK beaches, many bearing evidence of fisheries bycatch — welfare-focused fisheries reform can dramatically reduce this mortality source.
Bycatch death by drowning is acutely distressing for common dolphins. Entangled individuals struggle against nets, exhausting themselves before drowning. Live-discarded individuals may survive but with injuries. Mass strandings following bycatch events represent acute welfare crises affecting family groups simultaneously. Fisheries observer data and ORCA sea patrols provide evidence for policy change that would directly improve welfare at scale.