Cetaceans – dolphins, porpoises and whales
Updated 13 June 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protected-marine-species/cetaceans-dolphins-porpoises-and-whales
All species of dolphins, porpoises and whales. Cetaceans are also protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
The Marine Management Organisation has also produced guidance on reducing cetacean by-catch by using acoustic dissuasive devices, also known as pingers, that are attached to nets.
Offences under regulations 45 and 47 of the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (COHSR) are from 12 to 200 nautical miles.
Offences under regulations 43 and 45 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (CHSR) and sections 9(4)(a) – protects whales and dolphins – and 9(5) – protects whales, dolphins and porpoises – of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (WCA) are from 0 to 12 nautical miles.
1. Offences
| Offences | COHSR | CHSR | WCA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kill or injure | X | X | |
| Capture | X | X | |
| Possess or keep | X | X | |
| Damage or destroy place of breeding or resting | X | X | |
| Disturb | X | X | X (does not include porpoises) |
| Transport, expose, sell, exchange, advertise for sale | X | X | X |
| Use prohibited or unauthorised method to capture or kill | X | X | X |
2. Further information
Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
3. Contact information
3.1 Marine Conservation Team
0300 123 1032