Looking forward to 'strict protection': A critical review of the current legal regime for cetaceans in UK waters A WDCS Science report Editors: Mick Green, Richard Caddell, Sonja Eisfeld, Sarah Dolman, Mark Simmonds 1 WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. Looking forward to ‘strict protection’: A critical review of the current legal regime for cetaceans in UK waters Mick Green1, Richard Caddell2, Sonja Eisfeld3, Sarah Dolman3, Mark Simmonds3 Published February 2012 Cover photographs © Charlie Phillips/WDCS, Terry Whittiker ISBN 978-1-901386-33-2 WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Brookfield House 38 St Paul St Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1LJ Tel. 01249 449500 Email:
[email protected] Web: www.wdcs.org WDCS is the global voice for the protection of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and their environment. Offices in: Argentina, Australia, Germany, the UK and the USA. Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1014705 Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC040231 Registered Company in the UK No. 2737421 1 Ecology Matters, Bronhaul, Pentrebach, Talybont, Ceredigion, SY24 5EH, Wales, UK 2 Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK 3 Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), Brookfield House, 38 St Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 1LJ, UK 2 CONTENTS 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................5 2 INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................7