SUBMISSION BY BRIXHAM SEAWATCH (BSW) TO THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE

 

Brixham Seawatch (BSW) has studied the Green Paper ‘The Future of Common Fisheries Policy’ Volume 1 closely.

We make the following observations in response to its contents and omissions

 

1.  We enclose a resume of the origin, motivation and knowledge of BSW – our credentials.

2.  Our concern is with the widest marine environment but is concentrated for now on the               common dolphin.

3.  Those that are washed up dead on the south coast of Devon and Cornwall represent 1% or          less of those dying unnaturally at sea.

4.  The number washed up has grown steadily over the last eleven years and in this last                season the count of those stranded was 62. This last count would undoubtedly have been            higher because many coastal paths were closed due to FMD.

5.  Our own observations lead us to conclude that most common dolphins are killed by                 asphyxiation within nets (autopsy details annexed).

6.  We have good reason to believe that pelagic pair trawling for bass and mid-water (pelagic)           trawling for oily species – eg mackerel, causes at least 6000 dolphin deaths each fishing             season.

7.  The careful observations of the veterinary pathologist who carries out autopsies on all               these dolphins has shown the following

a) most die of asphyxia within the net (photos showing beak and skin damage and some          sample autopsy reports)

b) some trawlermen are attempting to conceal this ‘bycatch’ by puncturing the thoracic cavity so    that they sink (photos)

c) there are examples where the thoracic viscera have been punctured – ie speared whilst the      dolphin is still alive. The evidence is that the animal ‘bled out’ (photos).

8.  The extent of this killing is shown by the small number that are washed ashore but also              by the rotting remains of dolphins that are frequently found in bottom trawls (demersal              fishing).

9.  BSW believes that it is morally indefensible for the member states of the EU to allow the              killing of these cetaceans to continue. It is absolutely inconsistent with their proper                 opposition to whaling.

10.  BSW also believes that a core of fishermen believe in the necessity for the sustainability of           fish stocks and the welfare of dolphins and other cetaceans.

11.  BSW argues that the killing of cetaceans should be prohibited under the EU Common               Fisheries Policy. This will have to include:

a) the banning of pelagic pair trawling.

b) limiting the power of the trawlers engaged in mid-water trawling for the oily species by          specifying an upper horse-power limit.

c) the use of ‘pingers’ or alteration of mesh size at the mouth of nets etc would have a            marginal or zero benefit for the common dolphin at present.

12.  This is a brief outline of BSW’s observations and conclusions. Linda Hingley MBE who               heads this small organization is ready to provide your committees with statistics,                    photographic evidence and her directly garnered experience.