The article published in the newspaper Público on April 28, 2026 highlights the magnitude of bycatch in Portuguese waters, pointing to the death of at least one dolphin per day as a result of interactions with fishing gear. This phenomenon occurs within a broader context of pressure on marine biodiversity, also affecting seabirds and turtles, and placing Portugal among the European countries with the highest rates of bycatch.
The scientific contribution of CESAM is highlighted through the work of Catarina Eira, a CESAM researcher and professor at the Department of Biology of the University of Aveiro. The researcher notes that these estimates are based on stranding monitoring data and analyses developed within scientific projects, and are considered conservative, as a significant proportion of mortality occurs at sea and is not recorded. This context reinforces the importance of integrated monitoring and research approaches to achieve a more accurate assessment of the real impact of bycatch.
From an ecological perspective, bycatch represents one of the main threats to the conservation of several marine species, particularly those with unfavorable conservation status and life cycles characterized by low reproductive rates. In Portugal, certain fishing gears, such as gillnets, trammel nets, and longlines, have been identified as particularly critical, especially when they overlap with feeding areas or migratory routes.
The article also notes that, despite the existence of concerning data, comparative interpretation between European countries should be approached with caution, as Portugal has more consistent monitoring systems than other Member States, which may contribute to greater visibility of the problem. Nevertheless, scientific evidence points to mortality levels that justify urgent mitigation measures.
In this context, the Action Plan for the Minimization of Bycatch of Birds, Mammals, and Marine Reptiles was developed, coordinated by national entities and supported by expert contributions. The plan, expected to come into force in 2026, establishes a set of measures aimed at reducing interactions between fishing activities and marine fauna, including strengthened monitoring, the implementation of technical mitigation solutions, and the promotion of more sustainable fishing practices.
The involvement of CESAM researchers in this field highlights the central role of scientific research in understanding and mitigating the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems, contributing to the development of evidence-based public policies and to biodiversity conservation.
Original news: Público, April 28, 2026.