Tunis, 22 May 2007: Bycatch is one of the major threats cetaceans face in all the world’s oceans and seas. Despite efforts to introduce “dolphin friendly” fishing methods, very often still old net types are used or preventive measures designed to avoid entanglement of marine mammals in nets not employed. In the Mediterranean, swordfish fisheries are often still using pelagic driftnets, which were banned in that region in 1997 and are one of the main causes of mortality of cetaceans and other protected marine species. Accordingly, reduction of bycatch is a main focus of the activities of CMS and the ACCOBAMS Agreement.

The Marevivo Environmental Association (www.marevivo.it) hosted an international workshop in Tunis on “Fisheries and Mediterranean Marine Biodiversity” from 20-22 May as part of their “Mediterranean Freedolphin” campaign, which aims inter alia at creating a ‘label’ to certify that commercial catching of swordfish has taken place with techniques not implying bycatch of cetaceans. Representatives from numerous countries around the Mediterranean Sea were present and listened to a joint presentation of Marco Barbieri (CMS Scientific Officer, photo: right) and Marie-Christine Grillo-van Klaveren (ACCOBAMS Executive Secretary, photo: left) on the role of migratory species in marine ecosystems and the relevance of fisheries as a threat to marine mammals.

During the workshop the Year of the Dolphin was officially launched in North Africa. Explaining the objectives and activities of the campaign, Marco Barbieri also provided copies of the outreach material produced to delegates. Governments and NGOs alike were encouraged to actively support the campaign. Worldwide, individuals and organisations are carrying out numerous activities: they plan art contests, organise exhibitions, produce information material or engage schools and the public in conservation activities, to name but a few examples. Around the Mediterranean, “Dolphin Days” are being organised in several places and a targeted educational campaign is being carried out. More information on how to support the campaign can be found under www.YoD2007.org.

The special role the Mediterranean region has in this campaign was emphasised already in late 2006, when as part of the celebrations of the 10th Anniversary of ACCOBAMS, the Year of the Dolphin 2007 was originally presented to the public. Marie-Christine Grillo-van Klaveren showed a short video of this event, which was commemorated by installing a dolphin statue in a marine reserve off Monaco on 17 September 2006 and at which H.S.H. Prince Albert II assumed his role as Ambassador for the campaign.

For further information please contact:
Marco Barbieri, Technical and Scientific Officer
UNEP/CMS Secretariat
(click here to go to contact page)

Marie-Christine Grillo-van Klaveren, Executive Secretary
ACCOBAMS Secretariat
(click here to go to contact page)