A new guide published on Tuesday 7 October by the NGOs Seas At Risk, Ecologistas en Acción, Sciaena and BUND calls for urgent, science-based measures to reduce the bycatch of sensitive marine species such as dolphins, seabirds and sharks.
Bycatch, which varies according to the type of fishing gear and the area concerned, represent a threat to these species, according to these NGOs. While certain acoustic devices, such as ‘pingers’, repel porpoises, they can attract seals.
The NGOs recommend a transition to low-impact fishing gear, better rewarding of vessels that reduce their bycatch, and well-planned spatial closures to avoid simply shifting the problem to other areas.
They are urging the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, to mobilise existing instruments to “drastically reduce” bycatch.
The organisations also warn that the budget cuts planned for the 2028-2034 fisheries funds could jeopardise the protection of biodiversity and the survival of coastal communities.
Link to the document: https://aeur.eu/f/it6 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)