Do Northumberland's dolphins need more protection?
Kirsten O'Brien with naturalist Martin Kitching
Kirsten O'Brien joined naturalist in the North Sea, and when they appeared her excitement was obvious. Having them jump up out of the water alongside the boat or surf the bow wave can't do anything but leave you smiling.
Are we playing with them, or are they playing with us? If it's their habitat I guess we are the guests.
Not that we act like that though.
We humans are rather duplicitous as a race. As you can see in the programme (Monday, 20 October 1012, 19:30 GMT) we have environmentalists who are urging the government to create protective zones along the Northumberland coast and those who argue against it.
Fisherman, Michael Bold
Michael Bold is a fisherman in Amble, who worries his profession might become endangered if that's part of the proposed .
He argues pilot areas should be set up to assess what impact it has both on wildlife and the fishing industry.
What's your take? Why not leave a comment on this blog and let us know?
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Hi, I'm Chris Jackson - presenter of the North East & Cumbria's very own current affairs programme, Inside Out. Welcome to my blog where I'll reveal some behind-the-scenes goings-on and share my thoughts on the stories we cover.
Comment number 1.
At 30th Oct 2012, Matthew wrote:Our oceans are in turmoil, with global warming likely to cause the destruction of large quantities of plankton which is the very basis of the oceanic food chain, it is absolutely vital that top predators, are given protection. As by monitoring there numbers this will allow us to understand what is happening to the world’s oceans and seas. As if we protect dolphins and sharks, plus ensure we do not over fish, or at least diversify what we catch and eat, then if there is a sudden decline in top tire predator numbers, we can assume that the dangerous type of oceanic decline is starting. This I think you all would agree on; is natures only real key indicator of such a monumental change and shif, so the protection of species like dolphins is a must. As without them in our waters and beyond throughout the rest of the world’s seas and oceans to provide us with such indications the short term gains of our fishermen from non-protection, would ultimately lead to the total loss of fishing as an industry with catostrphic result for humaity and nature.
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Comment number 2.
At 31st Oct 2012, pterodroma wrote:To add a bit of clarity to perceptions of the mcz process; stakeholders from across a range of sectors (including the commercial fishing industry) were actively involved in the process that led to the rMCZ's that will (hopefully) be going to public consultation in December this year. I was involved from two perspectives; as a cetacean-researcher working in the Farne Deeps and surrounding waters, and also as a wildlife tour operator. I don't believe that any conservationist involved in the NE regional hub of NetGain (from which the rMCZ's off Northumberland came) doesn't want to see a sustainable local fishing industry. A genuinely healthy, sustainable, marine environment should be the best outcome for all stakeholders.
Dr Martin S. Kitching
North East Regional Officer, MARINElife. www.northeastcetaceans.org.uk
Senior Guide, Northern Experience Wildlife Tours. www.newtltd.co.uk
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