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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
We treasure the trust our supporters bestow on us. We understand that when you make a donation, you are sharing your passion for protecting marine animals, and recognise the critical role the ocean plays in sustaining our lives.
As a registered charity with Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission, we are held to stringent standards of governance and accountability. You can check our registration on the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission’s charity register. Just search for our legal name, Australia for Dolphins Limited, or our ABN 61 160 942 174.
We are as committed to fiscal responsibility as we are to our mission. We lodge financial reports every year and they are signed off by auditors. Our latest impact report is available here.
Our latest financial statements are available here and you can review all previous financial statements through our profile on the ACNC website.
Action for Dolphins is endorsed as a deductible gift recipient. This means that for Australian donors, donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
