Wildlife and Countryside Link’s ‘Hidden in the Haul’ report: Clean Catch’s response

Wildlife and Countryside Link’s report published today provides a timely opportunity to take stock of what we know – and what we still need to understand – about bycatch of sensitive marine species in UK waters, as well as the work that remains to address it. 

Understanding the scale, causes and nature of commercial fisheries bycatch is essential if efforts to develop, test and implement effective mitigation measures are to be targeted, practical and scalable. The challenge is complex and there is no single solution that will address bycatch across every fishery, species and location. 

Established by Defra in late 2019, Clean Catch brings together fishermen, scientists, environmental organisations, technology providers and government to improve understanding of bycatch and identify solutions that can be implemented successfully by fleets out on the water. Fundamental to this approach is recognising that solutions are most likely to succeed when they are developed in partnership with the people who will need to use them.  

A number of the report’s recommendations highlight the importance of continued action, investment and innovation. Clean Catch itself is testament to the importance of robust evidence, effective monitoring, sustained collaboration and long-term commitment.

While there remains a long way to go, collaborative approaches are already helping to improve understanding of what works in different circumstances and creating the foundations needed for lasting progress, not only for meeting environmental and conservation objectives, but for supporting the long-term sustainability of UK fisheries. 

Collaboration is at the heart of Clean Catch. We will continue working alongside the fishing industry, wider seafood industry, scientists, environmental NGOs, regulators, policymakers, and technology providers to advance research, develop practical mitigation measures and support efforts to minimise and – where possible – eliminate bycatch of sensitive marine species, while supporting sustainable fishing livelihoods. 

You can find out more about our work on our website: https://www.cleancatchuk.com/our-work/mitigation/