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Norway ups whale kill numbers and removes whale welfare protections

The whaling season in Norway has begun on the back of disturbing announcements from the...
Image taken from an unmanned hexacopter at >100ft during a research collaboration between NOAA/SWFSC, SR3 and the Coastal Ocean Research Institute. Research authorized by NMFS permit #19091.

Southern Resident orca petition to list them under Oregon Endangered Species Act advanced

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to advance a petition seeking to protect...
Hysazu Photography

WDC and Conservation Partners Continue to Seek Oregon Endangered Species Protection for Southern Resident Orcas

On Friday, April 21st, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will determine whether the petition...
WDC Seal Rescue April 2023 (1)

WDC conducts milestone seal rescue in Marshfield

For Immediate Release, April 10, 2023 MARSHFIELD, MA - A young grey seal was found...

Breaking News: Saving whales is an important part of our economy

A new study, published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, concluded that marine stewardship plays a significant economic role, surpassing even some commercial fisheries and watching whales, well known economic drivers.

The study quantified the value of donations and volunteer time of 45 marine conservation organizations based in Massachusetts including Whale and Dolphin Conservation, North America and found: 

  • Marine stewardship and conservation activities contributed $179 million in a single year to the economy of Massachusetts surpassing the commercial harvest of finfish ($105 million) and whale watching ($111 million).
  • The economic value of environmental stewardship activities are frequently overlooked, ultimately harming coastal ecosystem management decisions and local economies.
Economic value of marine activitiesPrevious work evaluating the economic value of whales has typically been tied only to whale watching and not to the important work of saving whales. This study reinforces that conservation organizations are both environmental and economic drivers and need to be sustained.

“Whales play a role in helping to create a healthy ocean ecosystem on which we rely to breathe, to eat, and to fight climate change” said Regina Asmutis-Silvia, WDC-NA executive Director “and now we have confirmation that the work WDC does to protect whales not only has a direct and significant benefit to whales and the environment, but also to the economy.” 

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