Walter Finch
THE European Union has ordered a month-long fishing ban along Spain’s northern coast and the of Biscay to protect local dolphin populations during their crucial breeding season.
It voted to uphold the ban in a decisive parliamentary vote after 511 MEPs gave the green light to ground nearly 300 fishing vessels between January 22 and February 20, 2025.
Backed by Belgium, Spain, France, and Portugal, the measure is part of a broader strategy to reduce harm to dolphins and other small cetaceans.
The dramatic measure comes after years of concern about accidental dolphin catches in fishing nets, with scientists flagging the period as particularly high-risk for the marine mammals.
Fishing boats over eight metres in length will be completely prohibited from operating and forced to remain in harbour while dolphins go about their breeding rituals.
But it’s not just about keeping boats in port.
The new regulations come with also mandate acoustic deterrent devices, year-round monitoring programs, and even onboard cameras to ensure compliance.
The European Commission is taking action after recurring winter strandings of dolphins in the region over previous years.
Earlier this year, French authorities implemented similar restrictions, and now Spain is following suit.
For local fishing communities, it’s going to be a tough month. Boats typically fishing for hake, monkfish, and other species will be forced to take a hiatus.
But conservationists argue it’s a small price to pay for protecting these crucial marine populations.
The Commission plans to closely monitor the effectiveness of these measures throughout 2025, leaving the door open for potentially even stricter regulations if dolphin populations continue to be at risk.
