Why now is the time for government action on dolphin deaths in fishing nets
Thousands of dolphins, porpoises, whales, seabirds, seals and other protected species die in fishing gear in UK waters each year. This is known as ‘bycatch’ and inadequate government action has meant that it’s continued largely unabated for decades. After our exit from the European Union, the UK implemented the Fisheries Act 2020. Contained within this…
Read MoreNot in our nets – get involved with our new campaign
As new government fishing policies are put together, now is your chance to tell ministers that they must stop dolphins dying in fishing nets around the UK. It’s easy to have your say – just follow the link to our action page where you can send our ready-made email and/or a prepared tweet. Tell ministers…
Read MoreDolphin deaths in fishing nets – 30 years and what’s been done?
Every week in UK waters about 30 porpoises, dolphins, whales and seals die in our fishing nets. Unable to get free, they will often struggle before suffocating. A large whale might pick up fishing gear and carry it, cutting into their skin and blubber, painfully slowing them down and preventing them from feeding. It was…
Read MoreUK government’s poor performance on the marine environment
One year ago, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow declared 2021 a ‘Marine Super Year’, stressing that the UK would use its COP26 presidency to lead calls to restore the marine environment to health, stating that global leadership started with ambition and delivery at home. Impressive words, but did they translate to action? Let’s take a look…
Read MoreProtecting whales in Scotland – how we’re working with Scottish fishers to save lives
Whale and dolphin entanglement in fishing gear (or bycatch) is a massive issue all around the UK killing more than 1,000 individuals every year. But in Scotland we have a particular problem with whales getting tangled up in the ropes used to join and haul up the baskets (known as ‘creels’) that are set on…
Read MoreProgress for our campaign as New Zealand takes action to protect dolphins from fishing nets
Following our long-running campaign to save endangered Hector’s dolphins, the New Zealand government has announced action … but will it be enough? Hector’s dolphins live only around New Zealand and their safety and survival is at risk from dying in fishing nets as ‘bycatch’. We’ve been campaigning hard to get the most dangerous nets banned…
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