New Dolphin Conservation Strategy Unveiled
NEW plans to help protect dolphins and other small cetaceans from acccidental injury or death in fishing nets were published today
by UK Fisheries Minister Elliot Morley.
A consultation document, the "UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Response
Strategy", looks at ways to reduce mortality amongst dolphins,
porpoises and other similar marine creatures.
Recommendations include:
- a legal requirement for certain UK fishing vessels in the Celtic
and North Seas to use acoustic deterrents ("pingers") with nets
- an effective observer scheme to monitor cetacean bycatch
- better cetacean population monitoring
- a recognised accreditation scheme for cetacean friendly fisheries
Mr Morley said:
"The bycatch problem poses a major threat to the conservation of
dolphins and other cetaceans. The UK is among European leaders in
developing solutions.
"But the problem cannot be solved in isolation. Co-operation at EU
level is vital if there is to be real progress. That is why I
continue to press the matter with Fisheries Ministers from other
member states and with the European Commission."
Research carried out by Defra, working with fishermen, has shown the
effectiveness of pingers in reducing bycatch in set net fisheries -
by 92% amongst harbour porpoises in one trial .
Part-funding for the purchase of pingers is likely to be available to
fishermen via a UK/EU fisheries grant scheme, FIFG .
Defra are currently trialling a cetacean exclusion device (separator
grid) and pingers in the winter bass fishery sector .
Stakeholders have three months to put views on the plans to DEFRA.
Should fisheries be closed during breeding time to allow stocks to reach more sustainable levels?
