Thousands of protected marine animals, including whales, dolphins, and seabirds, are killed annually by UK fishing vessels through accidental bycatch, according to a new analysis by Wildlife and Countryside Link. The report warns that actual death tolls may be higher because only a small fraction of the fishing fleet currently monitors these incidents.
The analysis, titled “Hidden in the haul: The true scale of bycatch,” suggests current figures are likely “the tip of the iceberg.” This is due to limited monitoring, with only 0.05% of dredging vessels currently tracking bycatch data.
What is the scale of marine wildlife deaths from bycatch?
The report, released by the Wildlife and Countryside Link coalition, estimates that more than 1,000 harbour porpoises and common dolphins are killed every year. The data also includes the deaths of 10,000 seabirds and 500 seals.
Large whales are also affected by fishing gear. Research found six humpback whales and 30 minke whales dead in Scottish creel ropes. Additionally, commercial fishing vessels catch and kill over 1,000 endangered Atlantic salmon and 120 tonnes of protected sharks, skates, and rays annually.
“From razorbills and dolphins to endangered salmon and sharks, the scale of destruction exposed in this report is shocking, with animals dying in awful and unnecessary ways.”
Richard Benwell, chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, stated that most of these deaths could be avoided through various mitigation measures.
Why are these animals being caught in fishing gear?
In English waters, gillnets present the highest risk for seabird bycatch. These static nets hang in the water like a curtain, causing birds such as puffins, gannets, and razorbills to drown when they dive for food. Research by BirdLife International indicates that gillnets cause 400,000 seabird deaths globally.
In Scotland, research found that most whale entanglements were caused by floating ropes between creels. Other methods, such as bottom trawling and dredging, are also known to cause damage to marine life on the sea bed.
How does bycatch impact the UK’s environmental status?
The report found that the death of cetaceans as bycatch is a primary reason the UK is failing to meet legal obligations to achieve good environmental status in certain British seas.
Ruth Williams, head of marine conservation at the Wildlife Trusts, noted that these deaths could have serious consequences for marine ecosystems. She described the issue as a “silent and largely unseen” crisis that successive governments have failed to address.
What steps are being taken to reduce bycatch?
Some fishers are already using methods to lower mortality rates. In Filey Bay, Yorkshire, small-scale fishers worked with conservationists to reduce annual seabird bycatch from 700 to fewer than five by using heavier nets. In Scotland, trials of weighted creel ropes have successfully reduced the risk of whale entanglement.
The Wildlife and Countryside Link is calling on the English government to require remote electronic monitoring on all fishing vessels, including those under 10 metres. They argue that smaller vessels are responsible for a large proportion of bycatch.
A spokesperson for Defra stated that the government is committed to restoring ocean health. The department’s “Clean Catch” programme uses electronic monitoring to collect data, and a new Seabird Bycatch Action Plan is being developed to reduce deaths in English waters.
If mandatory monitoring is implemented, the coalition suggests it could prevent more wildlife from being pushed toward extinction. Conversely, if current monitoring levels remain low, the scale of the crisis may continue to grow unseen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bycatch?
Bycatch is the accidental capture and killing of non-target species by fishing vessels.
Which species are most affected by bycatch in UK waters?
Affected species include harbour porpoises, common dolphins, seabirds, seals, humpback whales, minke whales, Atlantic salmon, and protected sharks, skates, and rays.
What is the government’s plan to address this?
Defra is utilizing the “Clean Catch” programme for electronic monitoring and is developing a Seabird Bycatch Action Plan to reduce seabird deaths.
What role should technology play in monitoring commercial fishing activities?
