27/09/2004

New trawling measures set to cut dolphin deaths

New measures are being drawn up that will help reduce death and injury to dolphins caused by pair trawling techniques, it has been announced today.

The measures, to be brought in for fisheries in the South West of England, include banning bass pair trawling out to 12 miles and introducing a licensing system for UK vessels within the 12 to 200 miles zone.

Fisheries Minister 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 bycatch deaths.

"The UK government is actively pursuing their ideas to take forward the issue with other Member States."

EU legislation requires the UK to notify the European Commission if unilateral action within its waters might affect other Member States. France and Belgium have "theoretical rights" to fish for demersal species in UK territorial waters from 6 to 12 miles, however, there is no evidence that either country prosecutes the winter bass fishery.

(gmcg)

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