Evidence Session, Marine Mammals inquiry
Tuesday 10 January 2023, 2.30 pm, Committee Room 8
Watch live on parliamentlive.tv
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.
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.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, veterinary surgeon and Member of the EFRA Committee said:
“Our cross-party EFRA Select Committee, comprising of Conservative, Labour and SNP MPs, is looking at the health status of marine mammal populations. I triggered this Inquiry because, facing huge environmental challenges, our waters and the species that inhabit them are in a precarious balance. In the UK we interact with marine mammals in and around our shores, just look at the travelling walrus this Christmas. Seals and dolphins are an important feature of UK waters. We in the UK have an important role to play in pressing for countries to cease the abhorrent and barbaric practice of whaling. Our Parliamentary Inquiry will shine a light on the ecological situation so the UK Government can make evidence-based decisions domestically and internationally to protect our precious environment and the animals that human behaviour directly impacts.”
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.
Witnesses
From 2.30 pm:
- The Rt Hon Lord Benyon, Minister for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs, Defra
- The Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith, Minister of for Overseas Territories, Commonwealth, Energy, Climate and Environment; Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Lowri Griffiths, Acting Deputy Director Ocean Policy, FCDO
- James Smith, Deputy Director, International Marine Environment, Defra
