Overview
- Pelagis estimates 1,900 common dolphins died from accidental capture between December 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, versus a revised 2017–2023 winter average of 4,700.
- The Sea and Fisheries Ministry called the closure very effective and confirmed the next pause for January 22 to February 20, 2026.
- Sector losses from the 2025 shutdown are put near €35 million, with €14.5 million paid to 274 vessels and total indemnities reaching about €20 million including processors.
- Mitigation trials continue with 110 gillnetters using pingers, 27 vessels testing net beacons, and roughly 100 onboard cameras on gillnetters and trawlers.
- The national fishing committee urges caution about attributing the drop solely to the closure after Pelagis revised its drift model; the ministry says it is too early to decide on 2027.