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<p>We recognise that accidental bycatch in fisheries is one of the greatest threats
faced by sensitive marine species such as dolphins and seabirds, and we remain fully
committed to tackling this issue. The Fisheries Act 2020 and Joint Fisheries Statement
have an “ecosystem objective” which includes an objective to minimise and, where possible,
eliminate incidental catches of sensitive marine species.</p><p> </p><p>Since 2020,
Defra has funded Clean Catch UK, a research programme which is developing and trialling
a range of bycatch monitoring and mitigation measures in Cornwall (a known high-risk
area for sensitive species bycatch). This programme has developed a bycatch self-reporting
mobile application validated by observers and electronic monitoring and an online
‘Bycatch Mitigation Hub’ with information on different approaches to reduce bycatch.
In addition, we are working with the fishing industry to trial various innovative
technologies to reduce cetacean bycatch.</p><p> </p><p>The UK Government funds a comprehensive
and well-respected bycatch monitoring programme which provides essential observer
data on incidents of sensitive species bycatch. The programme focusses primarily on
gear types with a high expected or known risk of sensitive species bycatch. A new
contract for the bycatch monitoring programme is expected to begin in April 2022.</p>
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