It is known that there are two main sources of accidental cetacean bycatch and that each source tends to kill particular species. Pelagic midwater fishing in all its forms tends to kill common dolphins and pilot whales. Static monofilament netting in all its forms tends to kill porpoises and bottlenose dolphins. Injuries suffered by the victims of each fishing method are quite different and can be identified at post mortem. There are other victims too. Basking sharks, turtles, seals, sunfish and other unwanted fish species are all caught up in the nets and discarded, almost always dead.

Bottlenose dolphins in close proximity to a beam trawler in process of hauling gear in the English Channel.

Brixham Seawatch - Resume

Submission to the European Committee