Protecting Dolphins and Whales from Fishing Nets

My Green World's partner charity, Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), has launched an important campaign dedicated to protecting dolphins and whales (and porpoises) from fishing nets in UK seas.

The Issue

Accidental entanglement in fishing nets or gear (known as ‘bycatch’) is the biggest global threat to dolphins, porpoises and whales. Hundreds of thousands die this way every year – thousands in UK seas.It is a horrific way to die. Like us, dolphins, porpoises and whales can’t breathe under water. Trapped in a net, they panic and can sustain terrible wounds and broken bones in their struggle to escape. When they can’t struggle anymore, they will close their blowhole and suffocate.More than 28 species of dolphins, porpoises and whales make their homes in UK seas. Yet, tragically thousands of individuals die in fishing nets and gear every year in these waters. Most of the protection they have comes from the EU and those regulations are under review. WDC needs you to join their call for the English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments to put strong laws in place, after Britain leaves the EU, to prevent these needless deaths. 

Statistics

 ♣ Estimates show that 250 common dolphins and between 1250 and 1500 porpoises died in static nets in UK waters in 2016.

♣ As many as 100,000 common dolphins are believed to have died in the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay in the last 20 years.

♣Almost 50% of minke whales who strand around the Scottish coastline show signs of entanglement.