Fishing Ban Imposed to Protect Dolphins

Fishing Ban Imposed to Protect Dolphins

Fishing along the French Atlantic coast has been prohibited for one month in order to protect dolphins. The measure is set to be in place for the next two winters as well. French fishermen have strongly criticized the ban.

In an effort to protect dolphins, fishing has been banned off the coast of France for one month. This prohibition affects around 450 French and foreign fishing vessels longer than eight meters. Environment Minister Christophe Béchu has promised affected fishermen state aid amounting to 80 to 85 percent of their usual revenue.

The fishing ban from Brittany to the Spanish border was imposed by the country’s highest administrative court after several animal welfare organizations drew attention to the threat faced by dolphins. According to an international institute, approximately 9,000 dolphins are accidentally killed each year in the Bay of Biscay when they become bycatch in fishing nets and are unable to surface to breathe. The organizations cited the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which recommends a three-month fishing ban in the winter and a one-month ban in the summer due to the population and number of 9,000 deceased dolphins.

Industry estimates losses of over 60 million euros

French fishermen have strongly criticized the protective measure. “A ship remaining in port implies a loss of revenue of 250,000 to 300,000 euros per month,” said Franck Lalande from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Fishing Association to the AFP news agency. The fish processing industry estimated its losses due to the ban to be over 60 million euros.

“Today, the French already consume 80 percent imported fish. Do we want to further reduce the share of French fish and replace it with fish caught under unacceptable conditions at the other end of the world?” said Olivier Le Nézet, President of the National Fishing Association. The fishing ban is in effect until February 20th and will also be imposed during the next two winters.