According to scientists, only 20% of the dolphins killed eventually wash up on the beach, which means it’s possible that several thousand have already been killed this year since 700 bodies have been found since the end of December.

Independent Observers persona non grata on Fishing Boats in Les Sables

For scientists, the first step towards improving the situation would be to clearly identify the responsible vessels by means of observers or on-board cameras. While in many countries this presence is mandatory, France not only allows destructive fishing methods in sensitive areas, but also gives its fishermen the choice to refuse any independent observation. The trawlers from Les Sables d'Olonne and Saint Gilles that Sea Shepherd filmed with dolphins in their nets have refused any observers.

“When will the law require this? How long is the government going to let a handful of people block any progress on this issue? How can we explain the fact that fisheries committees have such power and impunity in this country?” asks Lamya Essemlali, President of Sea Shepherd France.

"It has to be said that apart from the declarations of intent issued by press releases every year, the government does not take the problem seriously and is mainly concerned about protecting the needs of fishermen."

France is a signatory to the cetacean protection conventions and is committed to implementing concrete measures to minimize their catches. Scientists are concerned because dolphins are a sensitive species which are slow to reproduce their few offspring. By the time the decline in their population is visible, it is usually too late.