Laura Laplaud with AFP 8:52 a.m., February 28, 2024
The fishing ban, which affected 450 vessels over eight meters, in order to avoid accidental captures of dolphins, ended on February 20.
A period during which the fishing industry was unable to earn money.
Guest of La Grande interview Europe 1-CNews this Wednesday, Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, announced the opening of a platform aimed at compensating them.
After a month of closure of the Bay of Biscay, fishermen were able to return to sea last Wednesday.
Since January 22, 450 vessels over 8 meters have been affected by the fishing ban, ordered by the Council of State, to avoid accidental captures of dolphins.
A “massive blow” for fishermen, forced to live on their cash flow during this period.
Guest of La Grande interview Europe 1-CNews this Wednesday, Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, announced the opening of a platform aimed at compensating them.
>> Find La Grande interview Europe 1-CNews in replay and podcast here
“A support rate between 80 and 85% of turnover”
“We have obtained a support rate which varies between 80 and 85% of turnover. The platform has been effective since yesterday to submit applications,” he declared.
According to Ciem, the international scientific body of reference, around 9,000 common dolphins die each year by accidental capture on the French Atlantic coast, whereas we should not exceed 4,900 so as not to endanger the dolphin population.
In 2020 and 2021, the bodies of stranded dolphins showed signs of death in fishing gear in 86% of cases, according to the Council of State.
>> More information to follow...