Changing the course of history for dolphins

Since we began, we used legal action to stop 62 Japanese aquariums buying dolphins from the Taiji hunts. Slaughter numbers have fallen by 55% and live captures by 49%. We shut down a major dolphin meat supplier, and exposed the Thailand tourism-Taiji pipeline. In Australia, we achieved a dolphin breeding ban in NSW, and helped secure the removal of shark nets a full month earlier last season. This work happens because Dolphin Defenders fund the investigations, campaigns, and sustained pressure that makes lasting change.

The impact of your contribution

amplifies the urgent appeal to end dolphin captivity, reaching policymakers, media outlets, and the public

pushes for stronger laws that end captive dolphin breeding and shark nets in Australia

ends demand for Taiji dolphins by holding marine parks and travel companies accountable

funds investigations to uncover the secret trade of wild dolphins in Taiji

Our achievements

United with thousands of dolphin defenders globally, we've achieved notable milestones in the fight to improve the lives of dolphins. Check out our biggest wins.

Source Action for Dolphins

Ending dolphin captivity in NSW

We’ve successfully outlawed the breeding of dolphins in New South Wales. Also, wild dolphins can’t be imported into New South Wales. This means that Zippy, Bella and Jet – the dolphins currently residing in the marine park called Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary – will be the last generation to live in captivity.

Source Robert Gilhooly

Combatting Taiji dolphin hunts

We tackled the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) as a way to disrupt the cruel dolphin hunts in Taiji, Japan. Garnering support through legal action and a petition signed by thousands, we persuaded 62 Japanese aquariums under WAZA to stop buying dolphins from Taiji – a groundbreaking achievement!

Close-up of several packages of dolphin meat on display, each labeled with a price tag, in a supermarket setting.
Source Robert Gilhooly

Disrupting the dolphin meat trade

To stop the slaughter of dolphins for meat, we’re taking action against companies peddling dolphin meat. We have already successfully shut down a key supplier of dolphin meat in Japan after our investigation revealed mercury levels in one meat sample were shockingly 97.5 times beyond Japan’s regulatory recommended limit.

Turtle swimming underwater
Source Wexor Tmg Unsplash

Saving marine life from shark nets in Ballina

In Ballina, Australia, we championed a campaign against the installation of shark nets. The NSW Government decided against the permanent use of these nets thanks to the loud voice of locals calling for their removal. This saves the lives of countless marine animals passing through these waters.

Source Grant Charsley Unsplash

Helped Minjerribah Island’s dolphins

Our dynamic awareness campaign on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke) Island worked wonders – rangers report people are no longer feeding the wild dolphins! And the best part? These dolphins are now safe from being touched and fed by people, are free from social disruptions, and aggression spikes.

Source Toa Heftiba Unsplash

We helped clean our beaches

In our commitment to protect marine life, we’ve initiated beach cleanups. We have removed over 160kg of trash  from local beaches, which is about the same weight as two adult dolphins. This has helped to prevent marine pollution and the resulting harm it can cause to marine creatures.

‘A small Australian group has done what years of vigils, arrests, and even the plea of a Kennedy could not: knock the wind out of Japan’s dolphin hunt’
Andrew Darby, The Sydney Morning Herald

How we make a difference

We advocate for the protection of dolphins, whales and their ocean home. We work tirelessly to change laws, educate the public, and achieve institutional reforms that lead to safer, healthier lives for dolphins, whales and the marine ecosystem they need to thrive.

What our supporters say

We’re lucky to have some of the best supporters on the planet. With their help, we’re making it a safer place for dolphins.

'Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do! I will gladly donate to a cause that is actually making a change!!'

Jodi B

‘They are doing great work and the highlight was to sue the hunters of Taiji in court.’

Leotien P

'The dedicated determination of the team to improve the education and therefore the concept people have of marine-life in general, and especially dolphins'

Maureen J