Ruth Williams, head of marine conservation at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Our report reveals that action to protect dolphins, porpoises and whales is wholly inadequate. Simply designating areas as protected sites is not enough; what’s needed now is real action if whales, dolphins and porpoises are to flourish in our waters once more.
“That means managing our existing Marine Protected Areas, including those in the North Sea, more effectively to reduce the most harmful fishing practices, cut underwater noise from ships and offshore developments, better protect important feeding areas, and improve how we monitor these animals.
“If governments and industries act on the evidence already available, we can quickly reduce harm and give North Sea cetaceans a real chance to recover. However, without faster, clearer action, the UK risks falling further behind in protecting some of its best-loved marine species.”