Dolphins

Question 1

Sussex Dolphin Project is committed to protecting local dolphin species through ____________, ____________ and ____________.

Answer 1

Sussex Dolphin Project is committed to protecting local dolphin species through research, awareness and education.

Question 2

As an independent organisation, we aspire to work __________________ with __________________ and __________________ to create a ________________________.

Answer 2

As an independent organisation, we aspire to work collaboratively with organisations and individuals to create a sightings network.

Question 3

We also focus on ____________ the population of Sussex on the importance of ________________________, encouraging action to ______________________________.

Answer 3

We also focus on educating the population of Sussex on the importance of a healthy marine environment, encouraging action to protect local marine life and habitats.

Question 4

Our research is ____________-based and captured via the ____________________________________. We aim to increase opportunities for residents to get involved with marine conservation by ________________________.

Answer 4

Our research is evidence-based and captured via the Sussex Dolphin Project Citizen science programme. We aim to increase opportunities for residents to get involved with marine conservation by providing affordable training.

Question 5

Our objective is to identify individual ____________, in order to better understand their ____________, ____________, ____________ and ____________. This data can then be used to ________________________ and ultimately ______________________________.

Answer 5

Our objective is to identify individual dolphins/pods, in order to better understand their behaviour, movement, prey species and breeding sites. This data can then be used to protect our marine environment and ultimately safeguard Sussex marine mammals.

Question 6

Through the SDP educational programme, we aim to encourage a __________________ in the conservation of marine habitats by learning all about ________________________, how they are ____________ another, and how this is ____________ through both ____________ and _______________________.

Answer 6

Through the SDP educational programme, we aim to encourage a practical interest in the conservation of marine habitats by learning all about the creatures that live on and around the sea, how they are related to one another, and how this is changing through both natural and man-made processes.

Question 7

(In relation to the education programme) Older students will also consider what ________________________________________________ in the ____________ as well as using __________________ to analyse theories within ecology and how ____________________________.

Answer 7

(In relation to the education programme) Older students will also consider what should be done to look after these creatures and their homes in the future as well as using case studies to analyse theories within ecology and how conservation is done in practice.

Question 8

In addition to our in-class workshops and assemblies, we offer a ‘__________________’ session where children are encouraged to ______________________________. These sessions incorporate many of the ______________________________, especially ____________, _____, ______, and ____________, in a way which allows children to __________________ (not experimentally).

Answer 8

In addition to our in-class workshops and assemblies, we offer a ‘Beach Discovery’ session where children are encouraged to experience the beach for themselves. These sessions incorporate many of the core national curriculum subjects, especially Science, Art, Music, and Geography, in a way which allows children to learn experientially (not experimentally).

Question 9

In all key stages (e.g., KS2, KS3 etc.), teachers will be encouraged to ______________________________ depending on the ________________________. This will be discussed and agreed upon between ____________ and ____________________________________. There is no ________________________ for this service.

Answer 9

In all key stages (e.g., KS2, KS3 etc.), teachers will be encouraged to add to the learning themes depending on the needs of their students. This will be discussed and agreed upon between teachers and Sussex Dolphin Project’s education team. There is no cost to the learning institutions for this service.

Question 10

The SDP use citizen science data for 4 things. What are they?

Answer 10

• To identify and document the cetaceans that regularly visit the Eastern English Channel.
• To better understand populations and behaviour.
• To collect data to identify the vital habitats, prey species and health of the marine ecosystem as a whole.
• To share with NGOs and partner agencies to increase understanding of cetacean distribution and abundance.

Question 11

What is the ultimate porpoise of the citizen science programme?

Answer 11

To seek better protection for our marine environment and ultimately safeguard Sussex marine mammals.

Question 12

____________ into marine mammals off the coast of Sussex has been minimal. With the busy __________________, commercial __________ and high ____________ use, it was presumed that the Sussex coast would be an area with ________________________. However, ____________ and ____________ evidence indicated that this is not the case and we are beginning to learn more about these animals thanks to __________________.

Answer 12

Research into marine mammals off the coast of Sussex has been minimal. With the busy shipping traffic, commercial fishery and high recreational use, it was presumed that the Sussex coast would be an area with low marine mammal activity. However, anecdotal and historical evidence indicated that this is not the case and we are beginning to learn more about these animals thanks to citizen science.

Question 13

According to the SDP, what’s the most common dolphin (or porpoise) that you see off the Sussex coast?

Answer 13

The bottlenose dolphin!

Question 14

Why do dolphins bow ride?

Answer 14

Scientists don’t know - we assume they just do it for fun!

Question 15

Dolphin pods can make a line formation and continually swim in it. What’s this formation called?

Answer 15

A chorus line!

Question 16

What’s porpoising?

Answer 16

The popular name for the high-speed surface piercing motion of dolphins and other species, in which long, ballistic jumps are alternated with sections of swimming close to the surface.

Question 17

When you make a dolphin sighting, what are the six key pieces of info that you need?

Answer 17

• Species (Doesn’t need to be specific, Dolphin, Porpoise, or Seal)
• Number of animals
• Location (Coordinates or nearest landmark)
• If there were any juveniles present.
• Behaviour of the animals (swimming, jumping, interacting with boats, feeding, resting)
• Time and date

Please do also share any photos and videos you have as well!

Question 18

What are the two species of seal that you see off the Sussex coast? Which one is more common?

Answer 18

The harbour seal and the grey seal. The harbour seal is much more common.

Question 19

What is “at the heart” of the SDP?

Answer 19

The people of Sussex. We take any opportunity to reach out directly to those interested in the marine environment to share infomation on the varied and rich marine life we see in our waters from Chichester in the West to Winchelsea in the East and everywhere inbetween.

Question 20

What is the parent charity of the SDP?

Answer 20

The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA).

Question 21

Since __________________, vessels that are licensed to fish in British waters have been required to report ________________________ to the ________________________ (MMO) within __________. However, according to the MMO’s response to our ______________________________, ______________________. What does this mean?

Answer 21

• Since November 2021, vessels that are licensed to fish in British waters have been required to report marine mammal bycatch to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) within 48 hours. However, according to the MMO’s response to our Freedom of Information request, no such data exists.
• This means the UK’s legislation is not working and nobody is being held accountable while dolphins and other marine animals continue to lose their lives needlessly as bycatch.

Question 22

What four things can you do to help improve the UK’s legislation on dolphin bycatch?

Answer 22

1. Write to your MP (3-step guide on the SDP website)
2. Sign and share the #DolphinsArentDiscard petition
3. Make a donation to the SDP
4. Sign up to stay updated on the campaign

Question 23

How long is a supertrawler? How long are their nets?

Answer 23

• Supertrawlers are 130m long
• Their nets are 200m long (nearly 3 times as long as a jumbo jet).

Question 24

“We see a surge in dead dolphins on Sussex beaches when ____________ are here or during the ____________. Between them, these supertrawlers have not only caught masses of their target fish species, but tonnes of ____________________________________, including marine mammals. These are usually ________________________.”

Answer 24

“We see a surge in dead dolphins on Sussex beaches when supertrawlers are here or during the weeks after. Between them, these supertrawlers have not only caught masses of their target fish species, but tonnes of fish and marine life that they do not want, including marine mammals. These are usually thrown back dead as bycatch.”

Question 25

The ________________________ (PFA) represents ______ European _______________, which operate a fleet of ____________, including the __________________________________________________________________.

Answer 25

The Pelagic Freezer-trawler Association (PFA) represents nine European companies, which operate a fleet of 23 vessels, including the supertrawlers that we’ve observed most frequently in the English Channel.

Question 26

Despite their immense catching capacity, supertrawlers aren’t legally required to carry __________________ or ____________ to record bycatch, and are subject to ________________________ than ______________________________.

Answer 26

Despite their immense catching capacity, supertrawlers aren’t legally required to carry independent observers or cameras to record bycatch, and are subject to less strict monitoring than the UK’s smaller-scale boats.

Question 27

The Pelagic Freezer-trawler Association has defended its members by claiming that their activity is “____________” and “____________”. However, when we contacted them to ________________________________________________, they ____________________________________.

Answer 27

The Pelagic Freezer-trawler Association has defended its members by claiming that their activity is “sustainable” and “science-based”. However, when we contacted them to request the data supporting their claims on bycatch reduction, they did not share any evidence with us.

Question 28

Dolphins are being killed by these giant, industrial fishing ships but – despite the vessels being legally required to ________________ – no ________________________. This means ______________________________________________________________________________.

Answer 28

Dolphins are being killed by these giant, industrial fishing ships but – despite the vessels being legally required to report bycatch – no information is available. This means nobody is being held accountable while hundreds of dolphins and other marine animals continue to lose their lives.

Question 29

We’re calling for ________________________ (REM), including onboard ______, to be introduced for ______________________________. REM is a reliable and cost-effective tool that’s already used by many other nations to __________________, __________________ and __________________.

Answer 29

We’re calling for remote electronic monitoring (REM), including onboard CCTV, to be introduced for all fishing vessels in UK waters. REM is a reliable and cost-effective tool that’s already used by many other nations to improve data collection, transparency and accountability.

Question 30

By the fishing industry’s own estimates, bycatch accounts for __% of __________________. In real terms, this is _______________ of animals mistakenly caught, killed, and discarded every single day.

Answer 30

By the fishing industry’s own estimates, bycatch accounts for 1% of everything they catch. In real terms, this is tens of millions of animals mistakenly caught, killed, and discarded every single day.

Question 31

Our investigation of __________________________________________ has indicated that they were victims of supertrawler bycatch. This can be understood from physical clues (e.g. __________________________________________, or missing fins that have been ______________________________) or the ________________________ (if the dolphin was otherwise healthy, with no signs of natural injury or illness, then it’s likely that the animal died due to bycatch). We also record __________________ numbers of dolphin deaths ______________________________.

Answer 31

Our investigation of dolphins’ bodies washed up on the Sussex shore has indicated that they were victims of supertrawler bycatch. This can be understood from physical clues (e.g. rope tied onto their tails or tangled around their bodies, or missing fins that have been cut off to release them from nets) or the absence of certain other physical signs (if the dolphin was otherwise healthy, with no signs of natural injury or illness, then it’s likely that the animal died due to bycatch). We also record significantly higher numbers of dolphin deaths when supertrawlers are present.

Question 32

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) banned UK vessels from fishing for ______ off the ____________ coast of England after __________________________________________________________________.

Answer 32

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) banned UK vessels from fishing for bass off the South West coast of England after research found that the pelagic trawling was responsible for very high death rates of dolphins.

Question 33

Isn’t it illegal for supertrawlers to fish in UK waters? Unfortunately not. Since the _______s, UK _______________ has become a __________________ which can be swapped, sold and leased by __________________. This has led to over ____% of UK fishing quota now being held by __________________ companies, allowing their vessels to legally fish in the UK’s ________________________ (_______________ from shore).

Answer 33

Isn’t it illegal for supertrawlers to fish in UK waters? Unfortunately not. Since the 1980s, UK fishing quota has become a tradable commodity which can be swapped, sold and leased by non-UK interests. This has led to over 50% of UK fishing quota now being held by Dutch, Icelandic or Spanish companies, allowing their vessels to legally fish in the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone (12 to 200 miles from shore).

Question 34

There is less ________________ of fishing vessels that operate beyond ____________, despite these vessels being ____________________.

Answer 34

There is less monitoring of fishing vessels that operate beyond 12 miles, despite these vessels being significantly larger.

Question 35

Currently, __________________ in UK waters are required to report any bycatch of marine mammals to the MMO within 48 hours. However, as no __________________________________________ since ______________________________, the legislation simply isn’t ______________________________.

Answer 35

Currently, all fishing vessels in UK waters are required to report any bycatch of marine mammals to the MMO within 48 hours. However, as no bycatch data seems to have been reported by supertrawlers since this requirement was introduced, the legislation simply isn’t fit for purpose in its current state.

Question 36

The WCA’s view is that destructive and poorly monitored supertrawler activity is in direct conflict with the objectives of the post-Brexit __________________, which states that __________________________________________________________________.

Answer 36

The WCA’s view is that destructive and poorly monitored supertrawler activity is in direct conflict with the objectives of the post-Brexit Fisheries Act 2020, which states that the absense of scientific evidence cannot be used as an excuse to avoid protecting endangered species.

Question 37

The UK still has some control over its waters beyond the 12 mile territorial limit, in its __________________, and can exercise powers over ____________________________________.

Answer 37

The UK still has some control over its waters beyond the 12 mile territorial limit, in its Exclusive Economic Zone, and can exercise powers over any fishing vessels operating there (even foreign ones).

Question 38

We recognise that there are many other damaging fishing methods, such as ____________ and ____________, which all result in the deaths of dolphins, whales and other marine life around the world. However, we consider ________________ to be one of the worst offenders.

Answer 38

We recognise that there are many other damaging fishing methods, such as fly shooting and ghost gear, which all result in the deaths of dolphins, whales and other marine life around the world. However, we consider supertrawlers to be one of the worst offenders.

Question 39

One supertrawler can potentially cause ____________ of dolphins to be killed in ______________.

Answer 39

One supertrawler can potentially cause thousands of dolphins to be killed in a single year.

Question 40

Why can’t dolphins just avoid the nets? (2 reasons)

Answer 40

• Supertrawler nets can stretch almost a kilometre in length, the net mouth can be 200m across, and the nets themselves can cover an area the size of 450 tennis courts. Nothing that encounters these nets is likely to escape. They are simply too big to avoid.
• Unlike bottom trawls grinding along the seabed, these mid-water nets are effectively silent.

Question 41

How can you tell if you’re eating fish caught by supertrawlers?

Answer 41

• You can’t. Sadly, in the majority of cases, there is no way that consumers are able to identify where their fish came from or what fishing method was used to catch it.
• What you can do is write to the company that you buy your fish and seafood products from and ask them to phase out supertrawler-caught fish from their supply chains and product ranges.

Question 42

Does the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assure sustainable fishing practices and ensure that there is no bycatch?

Answer 42

• The MSC aims to reduce, not eliminate, levels of bycatch from fishing practices.
• MSC certified products do not guarantee (nor claim to guarantee) there is no bycatch at all.
• While MSC certified fisheries may have reduced levels of bycatch, they are currently unable to provide enough clear evidence that this is the case.

Question 43

Supertrawlers are capable of catching thousands of tonnes of fish per trip, yet they target ______________________________.

Answer 43

Supertrawlers are capable of catching thousands of tonnes of fish per trip, yet they target very specific pelagic (midwater) fish species.

Question 44

• The Sussex Dolphin Project recorded ___ dead cetaceans on local beaches in ______, during the period that ________________________ in the channel off the Sussex coast. This is compared to just _____ for ____________________________________________________________.
• Since only ___% of bodies wash up on shore, we estimate the true figure to be closer to _____ bycatch-related deaths in Sussex alone.

Answer 44

• The Sussex Dolphin Project recorded 17 dead cetaceans on local beaches in 2020, during the period that supertrawlers were fishing in the channel off the Sussex coast. This is compared to just two for the rest of the year when there was no supertrawler activity.
• Since only 10% of bodies wash up on shore, we estimate the true figure to be closer to 170 bycatch-related deaths in Sussex alone.

Question 45

The SDP is calling on the UK government to hold supertrawlers to account by requiring all fishing vessels over 95m in length, operating within the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone, to do what three things?

Answer 45

1. Use remote electronic monitoring, including onboard CCTV.
2. Make their catch records publicly available.
3. Share all data submitted to ‘sustainable seafood’ certifications. These certifications are designed to help consumers identify seafood products from comparatively sustainable sources; however, they are currently unable to provide enough clear evidence of reduced bycatch in the fisheries that they certify.

Question 46

• The SPCC (Shoreham Port Conservation Corridor) is a unique project site, nestled in ______________________________, and bordered by ____________, making it an isolated and important first ____________ for migratory butterfly species such as _______________, ________________ and many others.
• This isolated area hosts a surprising number of habitat types.

Answer 46

• The SPCC (Shoreham Port Conservation Corridor) is a unique project site, nestled in the industrialised area of Shoreham Port, and bordered by housing, making it an isolated and important first land-fall for migratory butterfly species such as clouded yellow, long-tailed blue and many others.
• This isolated area hosts a surprising number of habitat types.

Question 47

What special thing happened in Brighton in 1982?

Answer 47

The 34th meeting of the International Whaling commission. It was here that the International Whaling Commissions’ first moratorium to ban commercial whaling was signed (a ‘pause’ in commercial whaling on all whale species from the 1985/86 season). This moratorium is still in place today.

Question 48

What relevant protests happened between 1985 and 1990?

Answer 48

Protests against Brighton Aquarium’s dolphinarium. In 1991, two dolphins that had been there for over 20 years (Missie and Silver) were released into Caribbean waters.

Question 49

When was the SDP founded?

Answer 49

Technically in 2021, when the Brighton Dolphin Project became the SDP to better reflect its focus on the entire Sussex coastline. The Brighton Dolphin Project was originally set-up by the World Cetacean Alliance in 2018.

Question 50

Do white beaked dolphins have short or long beaks?

Answer 50

Short beaks! Idk needed one more card to reach 50 for this deck :3

Question 51

How will we be able to speak to whales in the future?

Answer 51

Through the use of AI!
* A project called “Dolphin Communication Project” is using AI to analyze dolphin sounds and attempt to decode their meaning.
* The project uses machine learning algorithms to categorize different dolphin sounds and analyze their context.

Question 52

What’s a dolphin’s forehead called.

Answer 52

The rounded part of a dolphin’s forehead is called the melon.