Dolphin Bycatches in Tuna Fisheries: A Smokescreen Hiding the Real Issues

Abstract

The taking of dolphins in Tuna Fisheries has attracted a lot of attention in both law and science. The problem assumed international significance in the wake of the two General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) panels on imports of tunas. This article addresses the issue of incidental bycatch in fisheries generally and avers that dolphins are but one of the numerous species that are taken incidentally in commercial fisheries. It argues that the bycatch problem should be approached from a broader perspective that takes into account whole ecosystems and diverse interests in fisheries. It then posits possible ways of encouraging more selective fishing techniques that minimize overall bycatches.