On 11 August, the European Commission presented a delegated regulation aimed at extending measures to reduce incidental catches of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and other small cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay. These measures, which are currently in force, were due to expire on 31 December 2025.
Following a joint recommendation adopted on 6 June, the relevant Member States (Belgium, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Portugal) proposed extending these measures until 31 December 2026 (see EUROPE 13493/17).
Tighter controls. The proposal also provides for an increase in monitoring coverage of trammel nets and set (anchored) gillnets, from 5% to a minimum of 7%.
The common dolphin is a strictly protected species under Annex IV of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), which lists all cetaceans as species of Community interest in need of strict protection. Between 2019 and 2021, a total of 5,938 individuals of common dolphin were stranded on the coasts of the Bay of Biscay. Incidental catches are therefore considered a major threat to these species.
Link to the text (which has yet to be formally adopted): https://aeur.eu/f/i50 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)