Shadow DEFRA Minister calls for greater protections for marine mammals

Epping Forest MP and Shadow DEFRA Minister Dr Neil Hudson MP recently joined forces with politicians from across the political spectrum, leading animal welfare experts and campaign groups in Parliament, to call on the Government to urgently update the law to extend protections from harm to more precious marine mammals.

The Parliamentary Roundtable included Members of Parliament and Lords from across the political spectrum and groups such as Wildlife and Countryside Link, BBC presenter Gillian Burke and the Seal Research Trust.

Currently, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, responsible for the protection of creatures such as marine mammals, does not protect certain marine mammals such as seals and certain cetaceans from deliberate disturbance. Disturbing marine mammals can cause them profound distress, and their reactions can cause panic, physical harm and even death, as well as sometimes mothers abandoning their young.

This topic is one of deep interest to Dr Hudson as a veterinary surgeon, Member of Parliament and a Shadow DEFRA Minister. In fact, the recommendation for extending the scope of the Wildlife and Countryside Act to more marine mammals was made by the previous Parliament’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee in a Marine Mammals Report that Dr Hudson himself instigated. (Protecting Marine Mammals in the UK and Abroad). That report also made many more wide-ranging recommendations about how marine mammal welfare could be improved, including expanding technology on sea vessels to prevent marine mammal bycatch, and using this country’s soft power to urge certain countries stop horrific practices like whaling.

Following the parliamentary roundtable, Dr Hudson commented:

“Our country is a nation of animal lovers, and our beautiful marine life is no exception.”

“However, when it comes to our legislation, marine mammals like seals are being left behind without protection from unnecessary disturbance.”

“I was really pleased to join this parliamentary roundtable hosted by Wildlife and Countryside Link calling for greater protections for these wonderful creatures.”

[Picture  L to R: BBC Presenter Gillian Burke, Dr Neil Hudson MP and Sue Sayer MBE of the Seal Research Trust]