Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Sixth Report - Protecting Marine Mammals in the UK and Abroad
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 697
Published 28 June 2023
Recommendations
3
Rejected
Launch new initiative with ring-fenced funding for marine mammal monitoring technology development
Recommendation
We believe investment in new technological solutions is the most effective way of upscaling marine mammal monitoring and filling the data gaps which currently hamper policy responses in this area. Among the most promising technologies are passive acoustic monitoring and …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation for a new initiative with ring-fenced funding for marine mammal monitoring technology, stating that significant investment is already in place through existing programmes like the £40m mNCEA. They outlined ongoing work in technology innovation and data collection, indicating a further fund is not considered necessary.
5
Rejected
Para 36
Bring in bespoke primary legislation for comprehensive marine mammal protection next Parliament
Recommendation
We further recommend that the Government should bring in bespoke primary legislation on marine mammal protection over the course of the next Parliament.
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly rejected the recommendation to introduce bespoke primary legislation for marine mammal protection, citing the extent of existing legislation and international conventions, and an unlikelihood of securing legislative time.
9
Rejected
Produce UK-wide action plan with SMART targets to significantly reduce marine mammal bycatch
Recommendation
Accidental bycatch in fishing gear is the biggest single threat to marine mammals and has been described as “one of the grossest abuses of wild animal sensibility in the modern world”. While the Bycatch Mitigation Initiative and Clean Catch programmes …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation for a UK-wide action plan with SMART targets to reduce bycatch, stating that each fisheries policy authority is responsible for setting its own targets. They committed to developing an England-specific work plan in 2024 to detail actions for reducing bycatch, building on existing initiatives.
10
Rejected
Para 57
Accelerate protected area management plans; raise marine mammal welfare with hunting nations in talks
Recommendation
We heard a number of examples of the UK being cited as a leader internationally when it comes to marine mammal welfare and conservation. Given that this is an issue which transcends national borders, it is vital that the UK …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the proposed timeline for having proper management plans in place for all protected areas by the end of 2023, committing instead to implementing necessary measures by the end of 2024. The response did not address the recommendation to raise marine mammal welfare issues with whaling countries.
11
Rejected
Refuse new trade deals lacking specific marine mammal conservation commitments
Recommendation
We strongly support greater integration of environmental considerations including animal welfare in free trade agreements and feel much more can be done in this regard than at present. We are pleased to hear that there are ongoing discussions between the …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation that new trade deals must include a specific commitment to marine mammal conservation, stating that all trade deals are tailored and reflect a wide range of policy priorities. They affirmed their commitment to upholding high environmental and animal welfare standards generally.