Every year, countless harbour porpoises, dolphins, seabirds, sea turtles and other protected marine species are unintentionally caught and killed in fishing gear—a preventable tragedy known as bycatch of sensitive species. Despite years of awareness raising and mounting evidence of the pressure on these species, existing measures have fallen short of delivering meaningful, lasting change.  

This event will showcase new findings from Seas At Risk, BirdLife Europe, and the Environmental Investigation Agency, explore potential solutions, and highlight successful collaborations with fishers already reducing bycatch across the region. Bringing together policymakers and NGOs, it will explore how we can move beyond piecemeal efforts towards enforceable action - and secure a future for our ocean’s most vulnerable wildlife.

Organised by Seas At Risk, BirdLife Europe and Central Asia, and the Environmental Investigation Agency, this event is hosted by MEP Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (EPP, Portugal), and MEP César Luena (S&D). 

This breakfast event is sponsored by MEP Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (EPP, Portugal), and MEP César Luena (S&D)

Organised by Seas At Risk, BirdLife Europe and Central Asia & Environmental Investigation Agency