Summary: A European court has ruled that the UK has been improperly protecting its declining population of harbour porpoises. EU law states that the UK must legally develop to create special sites for the protection of these animals, which are most often sighted surrounding coastal waters and at the mouths of estuaries. Porpoises have been rapidly falling in numbers due to tangling in fishing gear, chemical pollution and disruptive boat noise. The UK has a particular responsibility for the protection of porpoises due to its vast marine territory. Six special areas of conservation have been set aside by the UK due to criticism from nature conservation agencies. Britain must now designate additional conservation zones to preserve its porpoises.

Opinion: It is satisfying to know that pressure from environmental protection agencies is actually making a difference. It’s comforting to hear that governments are being forced to make environmental changes, and will receive serious consequences if not. I feel that it is helpful for environmental movements to receive coverage like this. It is fantastic that articles like this are being written because it brings attention to environmental issues and encourages other government agencies to take bigger steps. I appreciate how they identified the “particular responsibility”, because it highlights that the government is held accountable, so it won’t repeat its actions.