Harbour Porpoise Welfare in Coastal Waters

The harbour porpoise is the UK's most common cetacean, but faces significant welfare threats from bycatch in static fishing gear, acoustic disturbance, and pollution in coastal waters.

Key Facts

Harbour porpoises are the smallest European cetacean, reaching 1.4-1.9 metres in length
They are solitary hunters using echolocation to detect fish and crustaceans in turbid coastal waters
Bycatch in bottom-set gillnets and tangle nets is the leading cause of porpoise mortality in the UK
Harbour porpoises are sensitive to anthropogenic noise, including seismic surveys and pile driving
UK populations are estimated at approximately 470,000 individuals, making them relatively numerous but still vulnerable

Welfare Considerations

Porpoises entangled in static fishing gear drown, which causes death by asphyxiation after a struggle. Post-mortem evidence of fighting to escape nets indicates this is a significant period of suffering. Acoustic disturbance from pile driving and seismic surveys causes immediate flight responses and may cause hearing damage, affecting echolocation ability and long-term foraging success. Pollution including organochlorine compounds compromises immune function, increasing disease susceptibility. Bycatch mitigation through pingers, modified gear, and time-area closures reduces preventable welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Support organisations monitoring and advocating for harbour porpoise bycatch reduction
Advocate for wider use of acoustic deterrent pingers on static fishing gear
Report stranded or entangled porpoises to British Divers Marine Life Rescue or SSPCA
Engage with marine protected area designations that specifically address porpoise bycatch hotspots