Two trawlers from the French coastal town of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, the F/V Jérémi Simon and the F/V Prométhée, captured a dolphin in front of Sea Shepherd’s team of observers Tuesday evening. This is the same pair of trawlers we filmed pulling up two dolphins in their nets last year. The trawlers of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie and Les Sables d'Olonne have refused to allow observers onboard their fishing boats. 

José Jouneau, Chairman of the Fisheries Committee, reported in the media that this year all pelagic trawlers are equipped with pingers (acoustic repellents that supposedly keep dolphins away). However, it was only after hauling in their net with the dolphin trapped inside right in front of Sea Shepherd’s media team that the fishermen installed the pingers. 

“France continues to allow destructive fishing methods in sensitive areas while refusing to require independent observers on their ships,” says Sea Shepherd France President Lamya Essemlali. “Should we remind the State that it is responsible for the preservation of marine species and their habitat on behalf of the French people? How long will we sacrifice the ocean and our common heritage to avoid offending a few fishing boats that loot the sea without scruples?” 

“The time for endless government press releases promising more meetings that always result in ridiculous "measures" is over! Thirty years of talking and we’re getting nowhere. That's enough! We demand the prohibition of all non-selective fishing methods in sensitive areas, and particularly in areas where marine mammals live.”

OPERATION DOLPHIN BYCATCH CAMPAIGN PAGE

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