Save the dolphin say SWT

SUFFOLK Wildlife Trust has joined a campaign to help save hundreds of dolphins in UK waters which are being needlessly slaughtered.

As a result of unregulated sea bass fisheries the animals are being mutilated in fishing nets causing broken snouts and horrific skin injuries.

Together with UK-wide charity The Wildlife Trusts. Suffolk conservationists have added their voice to calls for urgent action to stop the unnecessary killing, which will be presented to Franz Fischler, the European Fishing Minister.

The Trusts are pleading for as many people as possible to sign up and make their voices heard.

SWT director Julian Roughton said: "Although few have been recorded in Suffolk, as sea bass fishing is small-scale and well managed, the death toll of stranded dolphins washed ashore in Devon and Cornwall has risen by over a quarter in 2003. Since the beginning of January it has reached 114 an increase of over 27per cent on last years figures."

"The majority of the carcasses are common dolphins and many show signs of being hurt by the nets. There is evidence that these deaths are caused by the trawlers that work in English waters but can only be regulated at a European level."

The Trusts are calling for the immediate ban of this fishery until changes are introduced to reduce the current dolphin deaths and also that the European Commission place independent observer schemes on all the trawlers.

Dr Symon Lyster, Director General of the Wildlife Trusts commented: "It's an absolute disgrace, that despite repeated warnings, the EU has done nothing to stop hundreds of dolphins dying. I have rarely felt so angry. The fishery should close immediately and the Government should put maximum pressure on the EU to halt this horrendous waste of life."

Further details about the campaign and the petition can be found at www.wildllifetrusts.org or by contacting The Wildlife Trusts on 01636 677711.