Ministers are to be asked about the plight of marine mammals including whales, dolphins and seals, in UK waters and beyond, at the final evidence session of the Committee’s inquiry into the protection of these sea creatures.
Some marine mammals, such as certain species of seal, have been successfully protected in some parts of the UK’s waters - but others, such as some types of whales, are critically endangered.
Meeting details
The situation of marine mammals is generally seen as indicative of the wider environmental status of the seas. Scientists have expressed grave concerns over many issues, including pollution, climate change and bycatch – where marine mammals get caught in fishing nets. Ministers are likely to be asked about how the government can tackle these issues in UK waters and internationally.
They may also be asked about what some stakeholders have described as the UK’s “fragmented” legislative regime regarding marine mammals. For example, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said in written evidence that these mammals were protected by some eight different pieces of domestic legislation – international agreements are in addition to this. It is feared this can give rise to legal loopholes, such as allowing whale meat to transit through UK ports despite whale hunting being banned here.
Ministers are also likely to be questioned on how best to address data gaps with regards to marine mammals – many of which live in very deep waters that are difficult to access.
The Rt Hon Lord Benyon is the minister responsible for marine affairs in Defra but the Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith has also been invited to the evidence session because his remit covers international waters (known as the High Seas), which make up over half of the world’s oceans.