Dead Porpoises Wash Up on Worthing Beach Amid Supertrawler Concerns

Environmental groups are urging the government to ban supertrawlers after dead porpoises were discovered on beaches in Worthing and Pagham, raising concerns about unsustainable fishing practices in British waters.

The porpoises, suspected to have been killed by large fishing vessels operating in the Channel, were found washed up on November 29 and 30. Campaigners, including Sussex Dolphin Project and Littlehampton Environment and Places, argue that supertrawlers’ immense nets cause significant bycatch, unintentionally capturing marine mammals such as porpoises, dolphins, and seals. Two Dutch vessels, Dirk Dirk and Afrika, have recently operated near Brighton before leaving the area.

Supertrawlers, which use kilometre-long nets capable of catching thousands of tonnes of fish per trip, also disrupt marine ecosystems by removing prey species vital to the food web.

Lloyd Gofton of Sussex Dolphin Project highlighted the impact on local sustainable fisheries and marine life, urging for stricter regulations. A petition by the World Cetacean Alliance calling for a ban on supertrawlers has garnered over 137,000 signatures, with campaigners also advocating for mandatory remote monitoring of these vessels.