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Charity tackles ghost fishing gear
Ghost fishing gear
Ghost fishing gear can have a devastating impact on marine animals and the environment.

World Animal Protection promotes Sea Change week

World Animal Protection are running a dedicated Sea Change week (4-11 June) to highlight the devastating impact ghost fishing gear has on marine animals and the environment.

Ghost fishing gear refers to any fishing equipment or fishing related litter that has been lost, abandoned or discarded.

The majority of fishing gear is made out of plastic meaning that it can remain in oceans for centuries, accumulating year on year.

World Animal Protection estimates that over 136,000 whales, sea lions and seals are killed by ghost fishing every year and an 'unimaginable number' of birds, fish, turtles and other species are also injured or killed.  

In the UK, seals, minke whales, seabirds and dolphins are at particular risk.

During Sea Change week, the charity is hoping that members of the public will help them track the presence of this gear right across the UK.

“We are dedicating a whole week to encouraging local beach users, coastal walkers, divers and ocean lovers to send us evidence of ghost fishing gear that is littering their local coastline," said World Animal Protection UK country director, Suzi Morris.

"We are hoping that those who are heading to the beach over Sea Change Week will take two minutes to look for any type of fishing litter, such as rope or netting, collect it, upload a quick photo to our website and then dispose of it safely in a bin.

"All of the photo uploads we receive will be used when meeting with Government and seafood companies to discuss the devastating impact of this problem on our environment.”

For more information visit www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk

Image (C) World Animal Protection

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.