"ASCOBANS" conference in Bonn will decide on protection plans
A conference focussing on the conservation of small cetaceans began today at the UN Campus in Bonn. Ten countries bordering the northern seas and Norway as an observer will take part in the three-day ASCOBANS conference (Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas). The conference agenda includes plans for conserving harbour porpoises in the North and Baltic Seas and progress regarding the protection of small cetaceans and dolphins against noise and bycatch.
The biggest threat to small cetaceans and dolphins in Northern, Central and Western Europe remains bycatch in fishers' nets. The number of animals thrown overboard by fishers and stranded has increased considerably in recent years. Underwater noise has also become an increasingly serious threat.
"We must not lose our small cetaceans in the North and Baltic Seas. I am delighted about the international commitment in Bonn and welcome the fact that the Fisheries Ministry is also looking for a solution to reduce the threat of bycatch for harbour porpoises," noted Minister Gabriel.
The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS) falls under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme and the related Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.