MMO highlights the importance of marine mammal bycatch reporting
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) updates its guidance on marine mammal bycatch reporting and explains the role fishermen play in helping to protect marine wildlife.
Since 2021, vessel owners and masters have been required, as a condition of their fishing licence to report all incidents of accidental capture (bycatch), within 48 hours of the end of a fishing trip.
Peter Clark, Director of Operations at Marine Management Organisation, said:
For those working at sea, marine mammals including seals, harbour porpoise, dolphins and even whales are a familiar sight around our coast.
We know that our fishermen value marine wildlife and do not intentionally seek to harm or injure them. However, we do recognise that bycatch interactions may sometimes occur unintentionally during lawful fishing activity. It’s important for us to understand if, when and where it may be happening.
Fishermen should understand that reporting does not put them at risk of any legal action. The useful information they can provide could be used to help determine if additional measures to protect these animals is required in the future.
Recognising concerns from industry about the implications of reporting marine mammal bycatch, MMO wants to be clear: reporting an accidental interaction during lawful fishing activity that results in marine mammal injury, mortality or bycatch is not an offence. It is the failure to report an interaction that may lead to enforcement action.
By reporting incidents when they occur, fishermen help build a more complete picture of marine mammal activity and the realities faced during fishing activity at sea. Every report helps improve understanding of where and when interactions occur and, just as importantly, where they do not occur.
By contributing to this shared understanding, fishermen can help to support the development of practical, proportionate and evidence-led solutions that can protect marine wildlife for future generations and ensure the long term sustainability of the fishing industry.
There are two ways to submit a marine mammal bycatch report.
-
Fishermen can submit information directly through the GOV.UK Marine Mammal Reporting Form.
-
Alternatively, fishermen can complete the Marine Mammal Bycatch Reporting Template and submit it by email to statistics@marinemanagement.org.uk, or print a hard copy and post it.
Find out more: Marine Mammal Bycatch: Your Reporting Matters