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New government marine wildlife code to help reduce dolphin disturbance

The launch today by UK Government of new guidance on how to act responsibly around...

UK government to extend ivory ban to stop the sale of orca teeth

Following the UK ban on the import, export and dealing of elephant ivory in 2022,...

Dead whale beauty products to be sold in Japanese vending machine stores

Antarctic minke whale alongside Japanese whaling ship. Photo © Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert Japanese whale hunting company,...

Arrests made following illegal whale meat smuggling from Japan to South Korea

Customs authorities in Busan, South Korea, have arrested six people for allegedly smuggling at least...

UK man admits to eating dolphin

A man in Cornwall who regularly eats animals that have been killed by traffic (road kill), is potentially facing prosecution after admitting to eating dolphin meat. He is intending to eat a casserole at Christmas made from the remains of a common dolphin he found dead stranded on a beach.

However, under UK law it is illegal to be “in possession of part or a whole” of a protected species including a dolphin. Penalties include up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine if convicted. 

Dolphins also fall under the seldom used Royal Prerogative for Fishes Royal.

Regardless of the legal position, eating the meat would be very unwise. Dolphins can carry diseases which are transferable to humans, and are usually taken away by local authorities to be buried in landfill.

Whales and dolphins can also be heavily contaminated. Pilot whales, for example often carry high levels of mercury. Anyone who does come across a dead whale or dolphins should contact the UK Strandings Hotline.


About George Berry

George is a member of WDC's Communications team and website coordinator.