The French government has banned fishing in the Bay of Biscay for a certain category of boats. This measure, which aims to prevent the accidental deaths of dolphins, was ordered by the Council of State after referral from several environmental defense associations.
From this Monday, January 22, and for a period of 1 month, a category of French boats will be required to remain docked in the Bay of Biscay, in order to protect dolphins victims of overfishing.
Seized last March by several environmental defense associations, the Council of State ordered the French Government to close fishing zones in the Bay of Biscay for appropriate periods, with the aim of limiting accidental deaths of dolphins and porpoises.
Experts estimate that around 9,000 dolphins die each year in the Bay of Biscay after being accidentally caught in fishing gear.
The Ministry of Ecological Transition has declared that the fishermen concerned will be compensated and the sector is not forgotten, partial unemployment can be activated if necessary and specific aid will be put in place.
Despite financial compensation of up to 80% of turnover, fishermen are worried. They fear that ultimately, the entire industry will find itself unemployed.
According to the National Fisheries Committee, 70% of boats are affected by the fishing ban in the Bay of Biscay, i.e. 450 vessels and 9,000 professionals.