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Dolphin deaths show ongoing threat
Green Consumer Guide
11th February 2004
A number of dolphin deaths in the English Channel revealed by Greenpeace in the last week prove that unsustainable fishing practices are continuing to pose a threat to sea-life, according to the environmental group.
The Greenpeace Esperanza ship is currently investigating fleets operating in the region, and campaigners have reportedly recovered seven dead dolphins – all displaying injuries consistent with dying in nets. Four French vessels, believed to be ‘pair trawling’ the area, were spotted in the vicinity.
Sarah Duthie, Greenpeace member onboard the Esperanza commented; "It's hard to spot dolphins dead or alive in grey choppy seas in winter. The sad fact is that if we've found seven dead dolphins in just a few days then there could be hundreds more out there we never see. We need urgent government measure to find out which fishing vessels are killing these dolphins and then action to stop it happening. If we don't then one day we may not see dolphins and porpoises alive in the English Channel."
Mark Simmonds, from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, which is involved in the Esperanza expedition, added; "All the indications are that the current situation is unsustainable. Very large numbers of animals have been killed in this region every winter for many years. In addition, the wounds on their bodies show that their deaths are often long and painful. It is high time that this ended."
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