Current levels of bycatch monitoring are insufficient to gain an accurate picture of the numbers of marine mammals killed or injured in this way, despite the requirement for vessels to report marine mammal bycatch. While we heard suggestions that mandatory remote electronic monitoring (REM) should be introduced, we are mindful of the significant burden such a requirement would place on the fishing industry, especially smaller vessels. We therefore recommend that the Government introduces mandatory bycatch monitoring, but that this is phased over several years, with smaller vessels being given extra time and, where necessary, financial support to meet their obligations. We would like to see an action plan to achieve this, with targets and milestones, by December 2023.