March 19, 2003 - Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs, UK:
New plans to help protect dolphins and other small cetaceans from accidental injury or death in fishing nets were published today by UK Fisheries Minister Eliot Morley.
A consultation document, the "UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Response Strategy", looks at ways to reduce mortality rates amongst dolphins, porpoises and other similar marine creatures.
Key recommendations include:
- a legal requirement for certain UK fishing vessels in the Celtic and North Seas to use acoustic deterrents ("pingers") with their nets
- an effective observer scheme to monitor cetacean bycatch
- better cetacean population monitoring
- a recognised accreditation scheme for cetacean friendly fisheries
"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 (see Strategy document, p15).
Part-funding for the purchase of pingers is likely to be available to fishermen via a UK/EU fisheries grant scheme, FIFG (see Strategy document, p25).
Defra are currently trialling a cetacean exclusion device (separator grid) and pingers in the winter bass fishery sector (see Strategy document, p18).
Stakeholders will now have three months to put their views on the new plans to the Department.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The "UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Response Strategy" is available online. Hard copies are available from Defra Press Office on 0207 238 1133.
2. A colour graphic illustrating a dolphin's escape from a specially-adapted fishing net (as seen in the Strategy document, p18) is available from Defra Press Office on 0207 238 6027 or 0207 238 5502.
3. The publication reflects work undertaken by Defra in consultation with the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland.
4. UK-based "pinger" manufacturers Aquatec, whose devices are amongst several types currently being trialled at sea by Defra and who attended today's media briefing, offer technical information on their website at http://www.netpinger.net. Aquatec director Andy Smerdon can be contacted for interview on 01252 843072.
Press enquiries: 020 7238 6027
Public enquiries: 08459 335577
Press notices are available on our website: www.defra.gov.uk
