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New Action by UK to reduce dolphin by catch in waters off SW Coast of England
DEFRA
27th September 2004
DEPARTMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
News Release (377/04) issued by the Government News Network
Ben Bradshaw, Fisheries Minister, today announced that new measures are being drawn up to help reduce death and injury to dolphins (cetaceans) caused by pair trawling techniques used in the fisheries in the South West of England. These measures include banning bass pair trawling out to 12 miles and introducing a licensing system for UK vessels within the 12 to 200 miles zone.
Ben Bradshaw said:
"I have always maintained that we must take firm action to reduce injury and death to dolphins from this fishery.
"The UK Government has been at the forefront of the campaign within Europe to encourage Member States to act jointly to protect the wider marine environment. Indeed, I am grateful for the European Commission's recent commitment to find the means to reduce dolphin by deaths.
"The UK Government is actively pursuing their ideas to take forward the issue with other Member States.
"But the UK Government wants to take account of its scientific evidence based data now by using a more radical but practical approach to marine environment protection.
Ben Bradshaw continued:
"Banning bass pair trawling by UK vessels within 12 miles builds on the European Council regulation the UK Government was instrumental in achieving in March 2004 to protect dolphins and porpoises. The UK will continue to press for future action on a EU wide basis."
DEFRA Notes
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