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French fishing threat to dolphin "superpod"
Western Morning News
6th January 2004
Westcountry fishermen last night said they "pose no threat" to a huge superpod of dolphins currently moving around Cornwall's south coast.
The pod, made up of thousands of dolphins and spread over about two and a half miles, has been spotted numerous times, as close as four miles off the coast of Falmouth.
The sight has brought joy to hundreds of people who have travelled to the area to catch sight of the creatures, who are thought to be attracted here by the large number of mackerel.
But there are also fears that it could lead to a record number of deaths as the dolphins become trapped in fishing nets.
Over 250 dolphins were washed up on the region's beaches in 2003 alone. Nearly all of them are thought to have been killed after being caught in the nets of vessels pair trawling for bass.
Rolf Williams, interpretation officer at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, said: "There is a real threat posed to these creatures. Research has shown us they are caught and killed in nets and there is no reason to think they won't be again.
"I have seen pods like this in the Bay of Biscay, but it's unusual to see them so close to shore. We do know in some winters you get big numbers like this coming into the Western Approaches and the Channel. It is very alarming to know that this wonderful population could be at risk by certain types of fishing net."
But Westcountry fishing officials last night said it is not the region's industry but Scottish and French fishermen - due here in large numbers in the next month - who pose a threat to the superpod. WMN fishing writer Phil Lockley said: "It is midwater pair trawling for bass which causes the problems for dolphins. Bass nets are higher in the water and therefore the creatures can get caught up in them.
"Westcountry fishermen simply don't have the quotas for that kind of fishing. But Scottish and French fishermen do. Some are here already, with more to come in the next few weeks."
Jim Portus, chief executive of the South West Fish Producers Organisation, said: "As well as the French and Scottish boats, certain Danish vessels fishing for pilchards and herrings are quick enough to catch dolphins in their nets. But our boats are simply not big or fast enough."
Yesterday Falmouth-based Orca Sea-Faris, which runs marine life spotting trips from its custom built RIB (rigid inflatable boat) took more animal lovers out to catch sight of the dolphins.
On board was Gary Hawkins, a volunteer at the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. He said: "It was just elation. Everybody was so happy to see so many dolphins.
"We thought we'd go out to see just a couple but to go out there and see so many was just fantastic."
If anyone spots a dolphin washed-up on a Cornish beach please call 0845 2012626. For Devon, call the Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244.
pandrews@westernmorningnews.co.uk
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