Commercial net-fishing and seabed-raking in territorial areas have been cited as a longstanding threat to marine life.  There have also been reports of dolphin mutilation thought to be in conjunction with the shipment of illegal tuna import and export. Alongside this there have been documented incidents of illegal Spanish fishing. HMGoG commissioned a study via UKOTCF to give a scientific rationale to marine management, and HMGoG introduced new regulations based on this evidence.