Target: Mercedes Díaz García, Government Delegate, Government Delegation in Ceuta, Ceuta, Spain
Goal: Identify whoever deployed the prohibited drift net connected to a young dolphin’s fatal injuries and pursue strong penalties for any environmental offenses established.
A young dolphin was discovered dead near the coastline with deep, traumatic lacerations across its dorsal fin and tail. A forensic veterinary examination determined that the injuries were consistent with the animal becoming trapped, strangled, and crushed by a drift net. These nets are prohibited under European Union rules because of the serious danger they pose to marine wildlife.
No suspect has been identified. Investigators are working to determine which vessels may have been operating prohibited netting equipment along the maritime corridor. Drift nets can be deployed covertly at night, making the vessel responsible difficult to trace. Marine conservationists are calling for stronger surveillance to prevent other protected marine mammals from suffering similarly fatal entanglements.
This dolphin cannot reveal which vessel left dangerous fishing equipment in its path. Authorities should intensify maritime patrols, examine vessel-tracking records, scrutinize suspicious fishing activity, and enforce restrictions on prohibited gear. Find whoever deployed the net and pursue strong penalties if the evidence establishes illegal fishing or other environmental offenses.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Government Delegate Díaz García,
A juvenile dolphin was found dead near Ceuta with deep, traumatic lacerations across its dorsal fin and tail. Forensic veterinary analysis determined that these injuries were consistent with entanglement, strangulation, and crushing by a prohibited drift net.
No suspect has been identified. Please ensure authorities thoroughly examine vessel-tracking records, maritime surveillance, port information, witness accounts, and other evidence capable of identifying vessels using prohibited netting equipment. Increased nighttime patrols and stronger monitoring of fishing gear could also help prevent another marine mammal from suffering the same fate.
A young protected animal died with devastating injuries consistent with entanglement in fishing equipment prohibited because of its destructive impact. Identify whoever deployed the net and pursue meaningful penalties if environmental offenses are established. Strengthen enforcement against prohibited drift nets and protect other dolphins from similarly agonizing deaths.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: William Warby
