10/10/2005
Greenpeace loses dolphins case
Greenpeace has failed in its attempt to overturn a government ban aimed at reducing dolphin deaths.
The environmental campaign group had launched legal action after Defra introduced a ban on the use of pair trawls to catch sea bass within 12 miles of the south west coast of the UK.
The ban was aimed at preventing the deaths of dolphins who can become ensnared in fishermen’s nets.
Greenpeace had argued that the ban was meaningless and would actually lead to more dolphin deaths, because it would drive fishermen into deeper waters, where there were more dolphins.
However, the government said that, since the introduction of the ban in December last year, the number of dolphin deaths had reduced from 429 in 2003/04 to around 140 in 2004/05.
Greenpeace’s claim was dismissed in full at the High Court on Monday, although the group was granted permission to appeal the decision.
The Minister for Fisheries, Ben Bradshaw, welcomed the court decision. He said: “I am delighted the court has rejected Greenpeace’s action in full. It always seemed odd to me that Greenpeace was wasting its supporters’ money trying to reverse a decision aimed at saving dolphins and porpoises. No country has done more than the UK under this government to protect small cetaceans. Greenpeace’s time, energy and resources would be better spent campaigning in those countries that don’t take this problem seriously.”
Greenpeace has argued that the government has a legal obligation, under European law, to protect whales and dolphins in the English Channel and described the 12-mile ban as a “political gesture,” which would likely lead to more dolphin deaths.
(KMcA/SP)
The environmental campaign group had launched legal action after Defra introduced a ban on the use of pair trawls to catch sea bass within 12 miles of the south west coast of the UK.
The ban was aimed at preventing the deaths of dolphins who can become ensnared in fishermen’s nets.
Greenpeace had argued that the ban was meaningless and would actually lead to more dolphin deaths, because it would drive fishermen into deeper waters, where there were more dolphins.
However, the government said that, since the introduction of the ban in December last year, the number of dolphin deaths had reduced from 429 in 2003/04 to around 140 in 2004/05.
Greenpeace’s claim was dismissed in full at the High Court on Monday, although the group was granted permission to appeal the decision.
The Minister for Fisheries, Ben Bradshaw, welcomed the court decision. He said: “I am delighted the court has rejected Greenpeace’s action in full. It always seemed odd to me that Greenpeace was wasting its supporters’ money trying to reverse a decision aimed at saving dolphins and porpoises. No country has done more than the UK under this government to protect small cetaceans. Greenpeace’s time, energy and resources would be better spent campaigning in those countries that don’t take this problem seriously.”
Greenpeace has argued that the government has a legal obligation, under European law, to protect whales and dolphins in the English Channel and described the 12-mile ban as a “political gesture,” which would likely lead to more dolphin deaths.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 January 2004
Dolphins threatened by trawler fishing, says Greenpeace
Huge trawler nets are killing an estimated 10,000 dolphins and porpoises in the north-eastern Atlantic every year, according to a report for Greenpeace, published today.
Dolphins threatened by trawler fishing, says Greenpeace
Huge trawler nets are killing an estimated 10,000 dolphins and porpoises in the north-eastern Atlantic every year, according to a report for Greenpeace, published today.
07 June 2004
Greenpeace delivers iced dolphin to Defra in fishing protest
A dead dolphin encased in ice – a weighty two tonnes of maritime protest – was delivered to Defra's doorstep today to highlight the problems associated with pair trawler fishing; a practice which kills large numbers of dolphins in UK waters every year.
Greenpeace delivers iced dolphin to Defra in fishing protest
A dead dolphin encased in ice – a weighty two tonnes of maritime protest – was delivered to Defra's doorstep today to highlight the problems associated with pair trawler fishing; a practice which kills large numbers of dolphins in UK waters every year.
11 June 2008
Navy Under Spotlight Over Dolphin Deaths
A pod of dolphins that died in Cornwall on Monday could have been "scared ashore". Marine experts believe that the 26 dolphins that became stranded in creeks around the Percuil River could have been frightened by an underwater disturbance. It is understood that the incident is one of the worst strandings in the UK.
Navy Under Spotlight Over Dolphin Deaths
A pod of dolphins that died in Cornwall on Monday could have been "scared ashore". Marine experts believe that the 26 dolphins that became stranded in creeks around the Percuil River could have been frightened by an underwater disturbance. It is understood that the incident is one of the worst strandings in the UK.
09 June 2008
Stranded Dolphins Die In Cornish River
More than 20 common dolphins have died after after they became stranded in a Cornish river. A rescue operation is underway to save further dolphins from swimming too far upstream and becoming beached. The dolphins' distress cries are believed to encouraged further dolphins to travel upstream.
Stranded Dolphins Die In Cornish River
More than 20 common dolphins have died after after they became stranded in a Cornish river. A rescue operation is underway to save further dolphins from swimming too far upstream and becoming beached. The dolphins' distress cries are believed to encouraged further dolphins to travel upstream.
20 February 2013
BP Tanker Drivers To Strike Over Pension And Pay Dispute
Grangemouth oil refinery tanker drivers will walk out for three days next Friday in a dispute over pensions and pay. The Unite members at the Forth estuary facility, employed by BP, will also ban overtime from Monday in action the union said would hit aviation supplies and deliveries to BP forecourts across Scotland and the north east of England.
BP Tanker Drivers To Strike Over Pension And Pay Dispute
Grangemouth oil refinery tanker drivers will walk out for three days next Friday in a dispute over pensions and pay. The Unite members at the Forth estuary facility, employed by BP, will also ban overtime from Monday in action the union said would hit aviation supplies and deliveries to BP forecourts across Scotland and the north east of England.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.