Supertrawlers should face tougher inspections after they were blamed for the highest number of dead dolphins ever recorded in Irish waters this year, an MEP has said.
Seán Kelly, MEP for Ireland South, raised the issue after the bodies of three dolphins were found off the southwest coast of Ireland within a week in July. One had a rope tied around its tail, suggesting that it had been discarded by a fishing vessel.
“It is reported that large supertrawlers are currently operating around 30km off the coast of Kerry,” Mr Kelly said. “While the link between supertrawler activity and the increase in these dolphin deaths is not proven, the Common Fisheries Policy stresses that caution must be taken as regards the impact of human activity