In the Bay of Biscay, a critical European fishing ground, the overlap between fishing fleets and common dolphins has raised alarms. French, Spanish, and Irish fishermen target deep-sea species like hake and bass, inadvertently trapping thousands of dolphins in their nets. Many dolphins drown or suffer injuries, leading to significant population declines.
In response, France implemented a four-week fishing ban this year, resulting in a dramatic decrease in dolphin deaths—from an average of 6,100 to 1,450 during the high-risk winter months, according to the Pelagis Observatory.
This ban specifically protects a population of common dolphins that inhabit waters between Northwest Africa and Norway. Following the success of this initiative, the European Commission announced a similar ban for 2025, from January 22 to February 20, affecting around 300 community vessels using high-risk fishing methods.
To further reduce dolphin bycatch, fishing vessels must now use acoustic devices called pingers, which mimic dolphin sounds, and install cameras to monitor interactions. Environmentalists, however, argue for a complete ban on pelagic trawling to enhance dolphin protection.
Since 2016, dolphin strandings in the Bay of Biscay have surged, especially in winter. Researchers suggest that increased prey concentrations, such as sardines and anchovies, may attract more dolphins to the area, exacerbating the issue.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the fishing ban involves analyzing various data sources, including dolphin stranding records and environmental conditions. Studies indicate that properly deployed pingers can reduce dolphin interactions by up to 90% in some fisheries.
Despite these conservation efforts, the fishing industry faces significant economic impacts due to the bans, with losses estimated at around 30 million euros for the winter closure. Fishermen argue that while they are committed to sustainable practices, the burden of conservation measures should not fall solely on them.