Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Deferred
Paragraph: 40
Publish Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy with SMART targets covering all 12 UK species
Recommendation
We are disappointed that, two years on from the consultation, there is still no final version of the Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy. We recommend that Defra works closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that SMART targets be included in the final strategy for each species covered, on which the Administrations should work together (as opposed to each having their own targets and action plans). Defra should also work with the Scottish Government to expand the strategy to cover all 12 species cited as “regularly seen” in UK waters. The final strategy, including all these elements, should be published no later than January 2024.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the recommendation for a Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy but stated that sufficient time is needed to fully consider specific targets and species. They hope to publish the strategy in 2024, deferring the committee's specific requests for SMART targets, expanded coverage, and a January 2024 publication deadline.
Paragraph Reference:
40
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy is being led by the Scottish Government in partnership with the UK Government and other Devolved Administrations. While we acknowledge the recommendation to drive forward action on developing the DPCS, sufficient time is required to fully consider the outcomes of the consultation and update the strategy in light of new developments. This includes any consideration of the species included, potential targets and routes for implementation. The DPCS will be progressed in the coming months, and as this is a UK-wide strategy, we will work closely together and hope to publish in 2024.