EU Scientific body confirms stronger bycatch measures are needed to protect Bay of Biscay common dolphins and Baltic Proper harbour porpoises

CCB • April 15, 2021

NGO concerns over EU countries’ inadequate response to the bycatch of protected species have now been confirmed by the evaluation of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) [1]. 

With respect to the measures proposed by France, Spain and Portugal to reduce bycatch of common dolphins in the Bay of Biscay, it concludes that measures are insufficient to prevent the many thousands of incidental killings recorded every year. Regarding measures for the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise brought forward by Baltic Member States, STECF highlights that these proposals have the potential to reduce incidental catches in marine protected areas but they leave out crucial measures recommended by scientists to minimise bycatch of this critically endangered species in the wider region. 

Now the ball is in the European Commission’s court to decide on the proposed measures. NGOs call on the European Commission to reject these inadequate measures and require Member States to urgently revise their proposals according to the entirety of the scientific advice and uphold their legal obligations to prevent bycatch.

STECF has warned that the number of bycaught dolphins stranded on the French coast has doubled in January 2021 compared to January 2020 [2]. In the Bay of Biscay, between 1 December 2020 and 6 April 2021, around 750 dolphins were found stranded on the French Atlantic coast [3], which could imply that around 7500 died in the fishing nets of the Bay of Biscay this winter [4]. If this keeps going, common dolphins could disappear in the Bay of Biscay within 40 years [5].

The increase in dolphin mortality due to bycatch, and the negative evaluation from STECF of the currently proposed measures by France, Spain and Portugal should be taken very seriously by governments of France and Spain, which are under legal pressure due to their innaction, following infringement action taken by the Commission [6]. 

On the other hand, measures proposed by Baltic Member States to prevent bycatch of the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise follow parts of the scientific advice more closely. STECF’s scientists have now concluded that, if effectively implemented, these measures will ‘contribute to reducing incidental catches of the harbour porpoise in the Baltic’ [7], however, they are unlikely to eliminate the threat entirely. Given that every single bycaught porpoise threatens the future of this small population [8], marine NGOs have expressed concern that the proposal only covers measures in Marine Protected Areas, neglecting the wider Baltic Sea area, where bycatches are as likely to occur. Furthermore, Baltic Member States are under legal obligation to protect the harbour porpoise throughout its habitat range, not only in Marine Protected Areas. This concern is also highlighted in the STECF’s evaluation. 

There is no time to waste for the Baltic porpoise and while Baltic Member States aim to submit a second set of proposals by June 2021, NGOs are calling on them to urgently include measures covering the entire Baltic Sea region as well as measures for recreational fishers, in line with scientific advice. Until such measures are implemented, the European Commission must promptly adopt emergency measures to protect the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise.

Andrea Ripol, Fisheries Policy Officer, Seas At Risk said: “ The message is clear – the measures proposed by France and Spain fall short of any ambition and are clearly not enough to prevent the deaths of thousands of dolphins, which is a growing concern for the public. Over 300,000 people have signed a petition demanding urgent action. Science and public opinion are aligned. Why shouldn’t then decision makers act accordingly? We count on the European Commission to reject this proposal and on Commissioner Sinkevičiust to keep his word and to step in. ”

Sarah Dolman, Bycatch programme lead at Whale and Dolphin Conservation said: “ More dolphins were bycaught in the Bay of Biscay last winter than have been recorded for more than a decade. Member States wasted time proposing inadequate measures which do not meet the scientific requirements presented twice now by regional experts, ICES and STECF. The Commission must act urgently to enforce EU law and require robust measures that will prevent further deaths of dolphins and porpoises. ”

Cecilia del Castillo, fisheries campaigner at Ecologistas en Acción said: “Uneffective measures have resulted in hundreds of dead dolphins for another consecutive winter in the Bay of Biscay. Commissioner Sinkevičiust, it is time to demand the French and Spanish governments to stop procrastinating. The scientific advice is clear: temporary closures of fisheries are required to cease with this disaster at once”.  

Ida Carlén, Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Officer at Coalition Clean Baltic and Chair of the ASCOBANS Jastarnia Group , said: “ The Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population is critically endangered and even one animal bycaught poses a serious threat to the survival of the population. Member States must act to save the only whale in the Baltic, and they must act now.” 

Cathrine Pedersen Schirmer, senior marine policy officer at The Danish Society for Nature Conservation said: “ The Baltic member states are undermining the implementation of effective measures throughout the entire distribution range of the baltic harbour porpoise by cherry picking measures recommended by ICES regarding marine protected areas, while stalling the implementation of measures throughout the Baltic Proper. This delayment tactic is very regrettable, as harbour porpoises don’t self contain themselves to marine protected areas, but have a broad distribution range in which they need to be protected against incidental bycatch. We therefore call on the Baltic member states to agree on bycatch measures that follow the entirety of the ICES advice without further delays ”.    

Sophie Mjati, Oceans, Seas and Coastline coordinator at France Nature Environnement , said: “ More than 65 000 dolphins have died in the fishing nets of the Bay of Biscay since 2000. The refusal of governments to act is deafening and may lead to a disappearance of the population ”. 

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CONTACTS
For more information or an interview please contact:

or

  • Ida Carlén, Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Officer at Coalition Clean Baltic and Chair of the ASCOBANS Jastarnia Group: ida.carlen@ccb.se ; +46 70 3133067

Seas At Risk is an umbrella organisation of environmental NGOs from across Europe that promotes ambitious policies at European and international level for the protection and restoration of the marine environment.

WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation is the leading charity dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises.  We work globally through campaigns, lobbying, advising governments, conservation projects, field research, rescue, education and advocacy to advance our vision of a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.

Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB)  is a politically independent, non-profit association, which unites 23 member organizations and 1 observer, with over 850,000 members in all countries around the Baltic Sea. The main goal of CCB is to promote the protection and improvement of the Baltic Sea environment and its natural resources. More info at: www.ccb.se

Ecologistas en Acción is a non-governmental umbrella organisation of over 300 environmentalist groups throughout Spain that was founded in December 1998 and is one of the top five environmental groups active in Spain today. The organisation’s guiding principles are built around the core concept of social ecology, which views environmental problems and the global ecological crisis as rooted in an increasingly unsustainable and globalized model of economic production and consumption.

The Danish Society for Nature Conservation (DN) is a non-profit, non-governmental membership based organisation that works to conserve nature and the environment in Denmark through local work, conservation, lobbying and specific projects. DN is the largest green NGO in Denmark with 130.000 members and over 1.500 active volunteers. 

France Nature Environnement was created in 1968 and gathers more than 3500 local NGOs from all France including overseas territories, working on a range of environmental areas (oceans, energies, forests, agriculture, health, education, transports, waste, etc.). Therefore, France Nature Environnement’s objective is to give voice to the civil society and protect the terrestrial and marine environment. France Nature Environnement is involved at a local, regional, national and European level.

NOTES

 

Peltier H et al. 2020. ‘Can modelling the drift of bycaught dolphin stranded carcasses help identify involved fisheries? An exploratory study’. Global Ecology and Conservation. https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/nouvelle-aquitaine/des-dauphins-retrouves-echoues-par-dizaines-sur-les-plages-aquitaines-1999444.html

 

 

Additional information on the lack of effective action from France and Spain and the need for emergency measures is available here .

 

Petition launched to stop new oil and gas drilling in the Baltic Sea

By CCB • October 3, 2025
3 October 2025 - Coalition Clean Baltic, together with its Member Organization BUND - Friends of the Earth Germany and the citizens’ initiative “ Lebensraum Vorpommern ”, have launched a petition to stop new oil and gas drilling projects in the Baltic Sea . The petition comes in response to plans to exploit a deposit just 6 km offshore Świnoujście , Poland, in the transboundary waters of the Oder Estuary and Pomeranian Bay. The planned site lies at the heart of NATURA 2000 protected areas , which are vital for biodiversity, climate action, and local communities. Oil and gas extraction in the Baltic Sea poses severe threats to its fragile ecosystems. Industrial activities such as drilling, pipeline construction, and ship traffic risk polluting the water with chemicals, oil leaks, and toxic waste. Underwater noise from pile driving and increased traffic would further degrade marine habitats. These pressures add to the already critical challenges faced by the Baltic Sea, including biodiversity loss, eutrophication, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. The consequences extend far beyond nature. Local communities rely on a clean and healthy Baltic for tourism, fishing, and quality of life. Expanding fossil fuel infrastructure would also undermine Europe’s climate commitments and lock in carbon emissions for decades to come. The petition calls on the Ministry of Climate and Environment of Poland, the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), the European Commission, and the Secretariat of the Espoo Convention to : Stop the plans for oil and gas extraction in the Oder Estuary and the Pomeranian Bay; Ban any new oil and gas extraction across the Baltic Sea; Ensure strong cross-border cooperation and communication amongst all involved states. The petition is open through the WeMove Europe´s platform and can be signed here .

Job vacancy: Coalition Campaign Manager - Common Fisheries Policy

By CCB • October 1, 2025
Job Title: Coalition Campaign Manager - Common Fisheries Policy Position type : Full-time consultancy contract. Open to part-time arrangements initially if needed. Contract duration: Short-term contract until end of March 2026, with possibility of extension subject to funding availability Reports to: Steering Committee Location : Flexible(remote/home office) with regular travel. Working in Brussels is of advantage. Starting date : ASAP In close cooperation with the Steering Group of the coalition, lead, plan, coordinate, and support the campaign of an NGO network working together towards the implementation of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the evaluation thereof. The campaign manager's responsibility is to develop and ensure the successful and timely delivery of political advocacy and public engagement activities of the campaign, both at EU and Member State level. Job description Strategy & Planning Develop and implement short-, and long-term campaign strategies aligned with coalition objectives, in close cooperation with the Steering Group. Set clear goals, timelines, and performance indicators for the campaign and ensure timely delivery thereof. Analyse policy development, political climate, media and public opinion, and stakeholder landscapes to inform tactics. Campaign Delivery Manage day-to-day execution of the campaign activities at Brussels and Member State level. Coordinate coalition partners and ensure communication between Steering Group and coalition members, as well as relevant groups/coalitions/experts and other stakeholders outside the coalition. Advise coalition members on strategic delivery of advocacy activities at all levels, including Member State level. Join Steering Group meetings in an advisory capacity. Report back to the Steering Group on the delivery of the campaign's activities, meeting of targets and milestones, and report back on activities, budget and impact. Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, key stakeholders, and allies to support campaign aims. Analyse opportunities of engagement, advise on policy language. Organise/coordinate/prepare and support relevant activities, including events, briefings, and advocacy activities in close cooperation with coalition members. Ensure relevant knowledge management and information flow within the coalition and across partner organisations. Liaise with communication experts on message framing, strategy and timelines. Management Support CCB administrative and finance staff managing grants to coalition partners. Ensure coalition partners receive information and materials that enable them to effectively contribute to achieving campaign goals (political information, policy briefings, templates, policy language, opportunity analyses). Support fundraising efforts as needed/requested by the Steering Group. Lead on funders narrative reporting. Qualifications & Skills required The consultant must be legally authorised to provide services and work as a consultant within the EU, based in an EU Member State. Fisheries and ocean expertise (preferred), or other environmental background. Degree (or equivalent experience) in communications/campaign management, political science, resource management, fisheries, or related field. Proven track record in designing and delivering successful advocacy or public campaigns at EU or Member State levels involving a larger coalition. Strong understanding of political processes at EU level and Member State levels, media landscapes, and public engagement. Excellent project management and organisational skills. Skilled communicator and coordinator, able to craft persuasive messages and engage a larger network into a common goal within tight deadlines. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Fluency in English is required; additional EU languages are a plus. Application Should you be interested in applying for this assignment, please send your CV (max. 2 pages) together with a personal letter (max. 1 page) before 9 October 2025 , COB, to secretariat@ccb.se Please include your consultancy rate in your application inclusive VAT (if applicable). Applications should be submitted in English. Incomplete applications (e.g. lacking either CV or personal letter) will not be considered . Any inquiries related to this assignment should be forwarded to the above email or to CCB Executive Secretary Mikhail Durkin at mikhail.durkin@ccb.se and +46 739 770 793. In the application and hiring process, CCB will not discriminate against any individual based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, national or social origin, property, disability, age, family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, economic and social situation. .