The Threat of Pair Trawling
Pair trawling, where two boats drag a single net between them, indiscriminately captures a significant amount of forage fish species, herring and sprat, along with other marine life including marine mammals, seabirds, and non-target juvenile fish species, leading to the depletion of prey species crucial for the survival of marine megafauna like humpback, fin whales, and minke whales. The environmental impact of this practice is profound, disrupting the marine food web and causing declines in marine biodiversity. In areas such as Roaringwater Bay and Kenmare Bay, critical habitats for species protected under the EU Habitats Directive, the effects of pair trawling are particularly devastating.
Our Stand
Our submission to the public consultation on trawling activity inside the 6 nautical mile zone lays out a clear and compelling case for the exclusion of all sea-fishing boats from pair trawling in this critical area. Read our submission below. We advocate not only for the preservation of marine biodiversity but also for the promotion of sustainable fisheries management practices that can ensure the health of our marine ecosystems for future generations.
Our Submission on March 7th 2024
Our response to the public consultation on trawling activity inside the 6 nautical mile zone includes the following as set in bold below:
- Option 1: No change to the status quo.
- Option 2: All sea-fishing boats excluded from pair trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines.
- Option 3: All sea-fishing boats over 18m in length overall excluded from trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines.
- Option 4: All sea-fishing boats over 15m in length overall excluded from trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines
- Option 5: Other.
The reasons for ORCA Ireland advocating for option 2 include:
Pair trawling, a fishing method where two boats drag a single net, poses significant environmental concerns in Irish coastal waters. It depletes prey species vital for marine life and results in unintended catches.
Environmental Impact:
Pair trawling disrupts the marine food web, causing declines in marine biodiversity. It collects marine life from the water column, impacting critical habitats within the six nautical mile zone. ORCA Ireland advocates for excluding all sea-fishing boats from pair trawling in this area to safeguard prey populations for marine megafauna like humpback, fin whales and minke whales.
Bycatch Concerns:
Pair trawling leads to significant bycatch, including marine megafauna like seals and dolphins. Globally, it's estimated that around 300,000 cetaceans are killed annually as bycatch. ORCA Ireland urges the exclusion of pair trawling from the six nautical mile zone to reduce the risk of bycatch, supporting conservation efforts and sustainable fisheries management.
Preservation of Critical Habitat:
The six nautical mile zone harbors critical habitats for marine megafauna. ORCA Ireland emphasizes the importance of excluding pair trawling to preserve these habitats, essential for feeding and breeding. Unfortunately, in recent years, ORCA Ireland has recorded and has received reports of destructive pair trawling in shallow bays and inlets in south-west Ireland. Pair trawling occurs in areas like the mouth of Roaringwater Bay, a special area of conservation for harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) which are Annex II species, protected under the EU Habitats Directive, the River Shannon and Kenmare Bay, both of which are Special Areas of Conservation for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Prohibiting pair trawling activities within this area can help preserve these critical habitats and maintain ecosystem integrity. This proactive measure is essential for safeguarding marine biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
Precautionary Approach:
Excluding pair trawling aligns with ORCA Ireland's commitment to ecosystem-based management and sustainable fisheries practices. It demonstrates a proactive conservation approach, crucial in areas with limited scientific knowledge. This ensures ecosystem health and resource sustainability for future generations.
Building Relations with the Fishing Community:
Collaboration with the fishing community is crucial for effective conservation. ORCA Ireland recognizes their concerns and advocates for potential collaboration on future studies. Strong partnerships ensure balanced conservation and socioeconomic considerations.
In conclusion, ORCA Ireland advocates for the exclusion of all pair trawling within the six nautical mile zone to protect marine biodiversity, minimize bycatch, and promote sustainable fisheries management. Collaboration with stakeholders is essential for achieving lasting conservation outcomes while balancing socioeconomic interests.
We believe that the implementation of our preferred option should be introduced
at national level.
Implementing the exclusion of all sea-fishing boats from pair trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines should occur at the national level for several reasons:
Consistency and Uniformity:
National-level regulations ensure consistency and uniformity in fisheries management practices across the country, avoiding potential discrepancies or conflicts that may arise from localised measures.
Comprehensive Protection:
Marine megafauna, such as humpback whales, minke whales, and fin whales, traverse large distances and may frequent different areas within the six nautical mile zone. National regulations provide comprehensive protection for marine megafauna prey sources across their entire range of habitat within this zone.
Effective Enforcement:
National-level regulations are easier to enforce compared to localized measures. They allow for better coordination among relevant authorities and stakeholders, streamlining enforcement efforts and ensuring compliance to protect marine ecosystems effectively.
Mitigation of Displacement Effects:
Implementing regulations only in certain areas may lead to displacement effects, where fishing activities are shifted to adjacent or unaffected areas, potentially exacerbating environmental impacts elsewhere. National regulations mitigate these displacement effects by ensuring consistent management across all relevant areas.
Promotion of National Conservation Objectives:
Fisheries management decisions should align with national conservation objectives and priorities. Implementing regulations at the national level demonstrates a commitment to sustainable fisheries management and the protection of marine biodiversity, reflecting broader national environmental policies and goals.
Introducing the exclusion of pair trawling within 6nm at the national level enables more effective and comprehensive protection for marine megafauna prey sources, promotes sustainable fisheries management practices, and contributes to the long-term health and resilience of marine ecosystems across the country.
If there is change of policy, ORCA Ireland believe the implementation of banning all vessels from pair trawling within the 6 nm zone should be phased in over a period of time, with new measures to be introduced over the next 12-18 months.
ORCA Ireland advocates for a phased approach in implementing the exclusion of all sea-fishing boats from pair trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines, spanning 12-18 months. This approach aims to ensure a smooth transition, minimize disruptions, and facilitate compliance while safeguarding marine megafauna prey sources.
An Adjustment Period:
Stakeholders, including fishermen and fishing communities, require time to adapt to significant policy changes. Phased implementation allows for gradual adjustment, reducing potential challenges associated with abrupt shifts in regulations.
Minimised Disruption:
Phased implementation minimizes disruption to existing fishing activities and livelihoods. It provides stakeholders sufficient time to transition to alternative methods or adjust practices without encountering economic hardships.
Facilitated Compliance:
Stakeholders receive necessary training, education, and support to comply with the new regulations. Phased implementation enables the dissemination of information and provision of technical assistance, ensuring effective understanding and adherence to the changes.
Assessment and Addressing Challenges:
Policymakers can monitor progress and address challenges or unintended consequences during implementation. Flexibility allows for adjustments based on real-world feedback and experiences, ensuring effective regulation enforcement.
Promotion of Stakeholder Engagement:
Phased implementation encourages ongoing engagement with stakeholders, fostering collaboration in achieving shared conservation goals. Stakeholder input is solicited, ensuring their concerns are addressed throughout the transition process.
Selecting a 12-18 month implementation period prioritizes swift action while minimizing delays. This timeframe directly transitions to new regulations, allowing stakeholders to adapt promptly and accelerate marine megafauna prey source protection.
Urgency of Conservation:
Prompt action is required to mitigate immediate threats to marine megafauna prey sources. A 12-18 month implementation demonstrates commitment to timely conservation efforts, addressing the urgency of protecting critical habitats and species.
Efficiency and Effectiveness:
A shorter implementation period promotes efficient planning and execution, minimizing administrative overhead. Resources are maximized to achieve compliance and conservation objectives effectively.
Adaptive Capacity:
Stakeholders leverage adaptive capacity to respond promptly to new regulations. Innovation and proactive measures minimize disruptions and optimize sustainable fishing practices within the specified timeframe.
Demonstration of Commitment:
A condensed implementation period underscores unwavering commitment to marine conservation. It signals prioritization of marine megafauna prey source protection, inspiring confidence and cooperation among stakeholders.
Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation:
Despite the shorter timeframe, continuous monitoring and evaluation remain crucial. Regular reviews ensure conservation goals are achieved and address emerging challenges or unintended consequences effectively.
Additional Comments:
ORCA Ireland emphasizes the importance of stakeholder collaboration and ongoing dialogue throughout the policy implementation process. We welcome the opportunity for continued engagement with all relevant parties to address concerns, share insights, and ensure the effective protection of marine ecosystems and species. Additionally, ORCA Ireland is committed to supporting scientific research and monitoring efforts to assess the impact of policy changes and inform adaptive management strategies. By working together, we can achieve sustainable fisheries management practices that benefit both marine biodiversity and coastal communities.
Why Your Voice Matters
The public consultation process represents a crucial opportunity for you, the general public, to influence the outcome of this pivotal issue. By lending your voice to the cause, you can help shape the policies that will determine the future of our oceans. Your submission can underscore the importance of excluding pair trawling from within the 6 nautical mile zone, aligning with our shared vision for a sustainable and vibrant marine environment.
How You Can Help
Join us in this urgent call to action by submitting your response to the public consultation before the deadline on April 12th. Visit our dedicated campaign page to find all the information you need to make your submission. It's simple, straightforward, and a powerful way to contribute to the preservation of our marine life.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
The time to act is now. Together, we have the power to safeguard our oceans against the threats they face. By standing united in our efforts, we can ensure that the beauty, diversity, and vitality of our marine ecosystems are protected for generations to come.
Let's be the wave of change that our oceans desperately need. Your voice, your action, can make all the difference.
