Between December and March each year, thousands of common dolphins continue to die in the Bay of Biscay as a result of harmful fishing practices. This year, the trend shows no improvement, with over 600 dolphin strandings already reported along the French Atlantic coast since January. These strandings are just a fraction of the overall fatalities, as many dead dolphins sink to the ocean floor or drift into open waters, making accurate counts impossible.
Recent years, including 2023, have highlighted the severity of the issue, with bycatch—the accidental capture of non-target species during fishing operations—remaining a leading cause of dolphin deaths. Scientific advice to implement seasonal fishing closures in high-risk areas has been consistently ignored by France and Spain, despite their legal obligations to protect marine life. The European Commission has criticized this lack of action, yet decisive emergency measures are still lacking.
Bycatch: An Ongoing Crisis
Bycatch occurs when dolphins and other marine animals are unintentionally caught in fishing gear such as trawl nets and gillnets. Dolphins often suffer injuries or drown when caught, as they cannot surface for air. Fishing operations in the Bay of Biscay are particularly problematic due to the high concentration of dolphin populations and the intense fishing activity in the region.
While some fishing fleets have adopted mitigation measures like acoustic deterrents (pingers) to keep dolphins away from nets, these efforts have been insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Without stronger regulations and enforcement, dolphin deaths from bycatch will continue to rise.
The Cost of Inaction
Over the past two decades, an estimated 65,000 dolphins have died in the Bay of Biscay due to bycatch. This alarming figure underscores the failure of current policies to protect this species, which is critical to the health of marine ecosystems. Dolphins play a key role as apex predators, helping to maintain ecological balance by regulating fish populations.
The continued loss of dolphins threatens not only their conservation status but also the broader stability of ocean ecosystems. Citizens, scientists, and environmental organizations have called for urgent action, yet their demands remain unanswered. Without decisive measures, the death toll will escalate, with devastating consequences for biodiversity.
Why Accurate Numbers Are Difficult to Obtain
The true scale of dolphin bycatch is challenging to determine because only a small proportion of dead dolphins wash ashore. Many carcasses sink or drift into areas where they cannot be retrieved or documented. Scientists rely on estimates based on the number of strandings and observed fishing activity to calculate annual and long-term death tolls. These estimates provide a grim picture, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Steps Toward a Solution
To address this crisis, several steps are essential:
- Seasonal Fishing Closures: Temporary bans in high-risk areas during peak dolphin activity could significantly reduce bycatch.
- Improved Fishing Gear: Research and deployment of dolphin-safe technologies can minimize accidental captures.
- Stronger Enforcement: Governments and the European Commission must ensure compliance with existing regulations and introduce stricter policies where necessary.
- Public Awareness: Greater awareness among consumers about sustainable seafood choices can help reduce the demand for fishing practices that harm marine life.
Conclusion
The plight of dolphins in the Bay of Biscay is a stark reminder of the environmental costs of unsustainable fishing. As 2024 unfolds, the need for immediate and effective action has never been clearer. Governments, policymakers, and citizens must work together to protect these vital marine animals and ensure the health of our oceans for future generations.