On Monday 30 September, the European Commission presented a delegated act introducing measures for 2025 to prevent the incidental catches of dolphins and other small cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay (see EUROPE 13333/16).
These measures (https://aeur.eu/f/dnb ) implement a joint recommendation by Belgium, Spain, France and Portugal. Unless the European Parliament or the EU Council objects within two months, the new regulation will come into force to close the Bay of Biscay to fishing vessels over eight metres in length, from 22 January to 20 February 2025.
The 300 vessels concerned will have to stay in port to avoid incidental catches of small cetaceans during the winter (a high-risk period for bycatches).
In addition to the one-month fishing closure, acoustic deterrents are to be used on a compulsory basis, and a programme to monitor small cetaceans throughout the year using on-board observers and on-board cameras is planned.
These measures are aimed at resolving the recurring problem of winter strandings of dolphins and small cetaceans on the coasts of the Bay of Biscay. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)