pair trawling

Results from a study of common dolphin numbers in the English Channel during winter months have caused renewed concern for the future survival of these animals. WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, and Greenpeace are calling for a ban on sea bass 'pair trawling' in the Channel.

In a new report, researchers from WDCS have given a provisional estimate of 9,700 common dolphins in part of the Channel that overlaps the main fishing ground last winter when the survey was conducted.

Greenpeace has launched a legal challenge in the High Court against the government in order to save dolphins from being caught and killed in large fishing nets.

The environmental group filed papers seeking a ban on all fishing boats from pair trawling for sea bass within 200 miles of the UK - a type of fishing which is responsible for the deaths of over 2,000 dolphins in the Channel every annual fishing season.

Historic move welcomed by Greenpeace
The government today committed to banning the UK pair trawling fishery which is responsible for hundreds of dolphin deaths every year in a move welcomed and congratulated by Greenpeace.