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Policy

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Help us make a difference to the lives of captive whales and dolphins around the world.

Latest policy developments

All policy news
  • All policy news
  • Create healthy seas
  • End captivity
  • Prevent bycatch
  • Prevent deaths in nets
  • Stop whaling
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This dead right whale calf had injuries consistent with a vessel strike, including fresh propeller cuts on its back and head, broken ribs, and bruising. Photo: FWC/Tucker Joenz, NOAA Fisheries permit #18786

Emergency Right Whale Petition Seeks Overdue Protections From Vessel Strikes

This dead right whale calf had injuries consistent with a vessel strike, including fresh propeller...
Harbour porpoise. Image: Charlie Phillips/WDC

Speaking up for the little guys – WDC in action

Whales and dolphins face so many dangers. These intelligent beings are crucial for the wellbeing...
Icelandic hunting vessels in port

Whaling boat kept in port after more hunt cruelty exposed

Icelandic whale hunting fleet One of the whaling boats involved in the latest hunts in...
Commerson's dolphin

New Important Marine Mammal Areas added to global ocean conservation list

Commerson's dolphin Experts from a number of countries have mapped out a new set of...
Humpback whale fluke in Alaska.

An unforgettable first encounter – observing the whales we work to protect

I have kept a dark secret since joining WDC back in June 2021. Despite my...
Fin whale shot with two harpoons

Whalers kill just days after Iceland’s hunt suspension is lifted

Whalers in Iceland have claimed their first victims since the lifting (just a few days...

WDC in Japan – Part 2: Digital dolphins

Welcome to the second chapter of my incredible journey to build alliances in Japan. As...
Fin whale

Icelandic government lifts suspension on cruel hunts

The Icelandic government is to allow fin whales to be hunted again after lifting a...

Our successes

End captivity

Stop whaling

Create healthy seas

Prevent deaths in nets

Upheld ban on commercial whaling

Greater protection for Hector's dolphins

Reducing fishing gear threat to right whales

Whale meat no longer moved through EU ports

Marine protected area created in Bangladesh

UK commits to reduce death in nets

Marine protected area created in Antarctica

US import of captured beluga whale stopped

Speed limit for ships along the US east coast

Harbour porpoise homes protected in UK

Online whale meat sales stopped in Japan

World's first beluga whale sanctuary

We work with partners from all sectors to secure a future where whales and dolphins are safe and free.

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Every whale and dolphin - safe & free

There are 4 vital ways that we are fighting for the survival of whales and dolphins.

Together we can:

orca whale with its mouth open being fed at seaworld

End captivity

Whales and dolphins have a right to live free and healthy lives. These highly intelligent individuals should not suffer for human entertainment.

Japanese whaler with harpoon hunting minke whales

Stop whaling

Commercial whaling is illegal. And yet, every year, Japan, Norway and Iceland kill around 1,500 whales.

Humpback whale tail in Antarctica

Create healthy seas

Commercial fishing, oil and gas drilling, and shipping are threatening the lives of whales and dolphins.

man attempting to free common dolphin from fishing gear

Prevent deaths in fishing gear

Thousands of whales and dolphins are accidentally killed in fishing gear every year.