Protecting dolphins, porpoises and whales in UK seas
What's the problem?
Thousands of dolphins, porpoises and whales die a slow and agonising death in fishing gear in UK seas every year. The laws we have to protect them are not good enough.
What change do we want to see?
We want the governments of the UK to implement strong, fit for purpose laws to protect dolphins, porpoises and whales from fishing gear in UK waters after Brexit.
What do we need to do?
- Work with UK governments to ensure that the UK's new Fisheries Policy includes strong measures to protect dolphins, porpoises and whales from fishing gear.
- Make sure monitoring on-board fishing boats is up-to-scratch and deaths are reported properly.
- Work with scientists and the fishing industry to develop safer ways to catch fish.
The Story so far
We're making great progress thanks to our brilliant supporters
We presented 75,353 signatures to UK Fisheries Minister, George Eustice calling for strong laws to protect dolphins, porpoises and whales from fishing gear in UK seas after Brexit. He took us seriously and is creating a 'bycatch action plan'.
We joined a government workshop tasked with shaping a 'UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy'. It's thanks to our supporters that we can work at the highest level for a safer future for UK dolphins and porpoises.
We've been lobbying at the EU to strengthen regulations to protect dolphins, porpoises and whales before they come over to UK law. Current measures are inadequate and we're working hard to get laws toughened up.
We've achieved a lot together
UK Fisheries Minister, George Eustice agreed to be a 'whale and dolphin champion' and develop a 'UK bycatch strategy'.
Thomas Cook has dropped parks that don’t meet minimum welfare standards.
Trip Advisor will no longer sell tickets to facilities offering contact with captive, wild or endangered creatures.