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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
  • Strandings
WDC’s Stranding Coordinator, Sarah McCormack listens to the heart and lungs during a health assessment.

WDC responds to stranded striped dolphin on Plymouth Long Beach, MA

WDC's Stranding Coordinator, Sarah McCormack listens to the heart and lungs during a health assessment....
thumbnail_J40 Suttles Breach

Petition Seeks Oregon Endangered Species Protection for Southern Resident Orcas

For Immediate Release, February 16, 2023 PORTLAND, OR - The Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders...
A male North Atlantic right whale, 20 years old and 43 feet long, washed up dead in Virginia Beach, VA on 2/12/23. Photo by Center for Biological Diversity. Image is available for media use.

Vessel Strike Killed Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale

A male North Atlantic right whale, 20 years old and 43 feet long, washed up...
A dead North Atlantic right whale lies on the shore with ocean seen behind it.

Dead Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale Washes Up in Virginia

UPDATE - February 15,2023 NOAA released a statement with necropsy results which reads -  "On...
20230126_091707

WDC’s Education Wishlist = Cleared!

To the WDC Community, I want to thank you so much for your support of...
Hysazu Photography

Looking forward for Southern Resident orcas in 2023

Hysazu Photography 2022 was a big year for Southern Resident orcas - 2022 brought the...
Image: Peter Flood

Biden Administration Sinks Emergency Petition to Shield Right Whale Moms, Calves From Vessel Strikes

Image: Peter Flood For Immediate Release, January 20, 2023 WASHINGTON- The National Marine Fisheries Service...
A whale swims underwater while white text to the left of the whale says "AmazonSmile does make an impact to charities"

Amazon Announces End of AmazonSmile Program

Amazon announced on January 19th, 2023 that it is ending its AmazonSmile donation program by...

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 sticking out of the water, an action called fluking

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.