The Gulf of Gascogne is set to see its fishing industry face yet another month-long closure due to the need for dolphin protection, reaffirmed by France's Council of State. This ruling aims to curb the rising rate of accidental dolphin captures linked with fishing practices.
After reviewing comprehensive scientific data, the Council confirmed on January 20, 2025, the necessity of the fishing ban from January 22 to February 20 for vessels over eight meters. It reiterated this ruling from previous years where similar measures had proven to effectively reduce dolphin mortality.
According to the Council, this closure is to protect the common dolphin and the common porpoise, highlighting successful outcomes from prior bans which resulted in significant reductions—up to 75%—in dolphin deaths due to accidental catches. Following such findings, the government has committed to continuing these regulations through 2026 as part of broader efforts mandated by the European Union.
This decision has invoked mixed reactions from the fishing community. A representative from the Committee for National Fisheries and Marine Farming (CNPMEM) expressed their opposition, stating, "Les fermetures judiciaires ne seront jamais porteuses de solutions pour la filière pêche du golfe de Gascogne" (Judicial closures will never provide solutions for the fishing sector of the Gulf of Gascogne).
Fishermen feel cornered, with some stating, "On est résignés. On est dans un système complètement schizophrène. C'est aberrant" (We are resigned. We are in a completely schizophrenic system. It's absurd). Concerns have risen surrounding the impact of prolonged closures on their sustainability and livelihoods. With over 300 fishing vessels impacted by the latest genetic regulations, financial consequences loom large for local fishermen.
Around the ports of La Cotinière and others affected, fishermen have raised their frustrations about the ban’s impact on their work. Some have managed to invest millions to adapt their vessels with technologies aimed at reducing dolphin interactions yet feel sidelined by sweeping regulatory measures.
Encouraged to employ devices such as pingers—known to emit sound waves purported to deter dolphins—many fishermen, like David Le Quintrec, president of the Union Française des Pêcheurs Artisans, complain there are insufficient evaluations of their effectiveness. "Nous on a des solutions pour éviter les captures accidentelles" (We have solutions to avoid accidental captures) he insists, illustrating the frustration they share."
The overall trend for dolphin populations, which now stands at roughly 200,000 off the French coast, is concerning to environmentalists. They cite explanations for rising accidental captures, with solutions often seen as overly simplistic. According to Jérôme Spitz, codirector of the Pelagis observatory, "C'est efficace, les chiffres le prouvent" (It's effective, the numbers prove it), citing drastic declines in dolphin captures since the ban was enacted.
Although the fishermen maintain their opposition, the reviews from institutions asserting the efficiency of closures reinforce the present ban. Continued data collection and technological innovation are seen as avenues for future resolutions, balancing ecological sustainability with the livelihoods dependent on marine resources.
The complexity of the situation reflects the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the financial realities facing fishermen. Observers note how historically, dolphins were viewed negatively, once targeted for elimination to protect fishing interests. Now their role as valuable contributors to marine ecosystems is recognized—both for biodiversity and for the fishing community they support.
Looking forward, stakeholders hope to engage again by exploring technological advancements alongside dynamic discussions to optimize fishing practices without jeopardizing dolphin populations. The aim is collective responsibility, dealing with the challenges of marine conservation and coming to terms with ever-evolving environmental demands.
Regardless of the struggles at sea, fishermen remain committed to integrating sustainable practices, seeking solutions to resume their place at sea effectively. While the current moratorium stands, it’s clear conversations surrounding dolphin protection and fishing rights are far from over.