Make This The Year You Green Your Life
WDCS has begun a year-long challenge to green your habits, your life, and your world. A series of blogs, once a week, give you five new things every week to work towards a safer world for all of us, our children and the animals we fight to protect.
Are Whales And Dolphins The Great Apes Of The Oceans?
Almost twenty years ago WDCS produced a report called, simply, ‘Why Whales?’. This report explored the ethical, conservation and welfare arguments for protecting whales; it asked the question Why?
Thankful In 2009
As we end one year and begin another, WDCS stops to reflect on a few things we are thankful for. Events and People talking steps toward a world in which cetaceans are safe, recovering and celebrated.
Top 9 Victories In 2009
This year, you helped us save more than 100,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the North Atlantic... Thank you! Check out what we accomplished together
Corky - 40 Years Imprisoned. We Owe Her A Way Out!
Friday 11th December marks the 40th anniversary of a young female orca being taken from her family in the waters off British Columbia, Canada, to become a captive orca performing tricks to amuse people around the world. She was given the name CORKY.
Key West Dolphin SMART Training Held On December 7, 2024
WDCS partners held the Program’s third operator training in Key West as implementation of the Dolphin SMART program continues.
A Local Fundraiser Where You Can Do Your Christmas Shopping
Come meet WDCS's official Artist Ambassador, Theresa LaBreque; WDCS staff; and other honored whale biologist Dave Wiley from the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Saturday, December 12th from 3:00-7:00 at the Brewster Ladies Library.
First High Seas MPA Designated In Antarctica
The first high seas MPA in the Antarctic region has been declared in an area south of the South Orkney Islands.
The MPA is situated in the northern Weddell Sea, east of the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula - a prime area for feeding humpback whales.
The Climate Change Emergency And Whales
Climate change is a significant and growing threat to whales, dolphins and porpoises. It is a threat that can only be tackled directly at an international level. From 7th to 18th December, world leaders will be gathering to discuss the issue.
The Cove Marches On: The Dominican Republic, The Academy Awards And Larry King!
Over the weekend, WDCS campaigner Courtney Vail joined Simon Hutchins from 'The Cove' at the movie's premiere at the 3rd Global Film Festival in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Slaughter Continues In Taiji
Around 30 pilot whales have been captured in a drive hunt in Taiji this week and reportedly await a tragic fate in the infamous cove highlighted in the acclaimed film from which it takes its name, The Cove http://www.thecovemovie.com/.
President Obama, Please Tell Japan That Whaling Is Obsolete!
This month, President Obama will be meeting with his Japanese counterpart for the first time. Please call on President Obama to raise the issue of whaling with Prime Minister Hatoyama.
Japan's Prime Minister Hates Eating Whale Meat
The Japanese press is reporting that the Japanese Prime Minister ‘hates whale meat’. He is apparently not alone. Demand for whale meat has fallen dramatically in Japan in recent years; prices have dropped by half, and thousands of tons of meat languish.
2nd Dolphin SMART Operator Recognized In Alabama
Bear Point Marina-based Skipper “J” Dolphin
Cruises recently became the second nature tour business along the Alabama Gulf Coast to be accepted
into the Dolphin SMART program.
Are Humpbacks Still Endangered?
The US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is conducting a status review to determine if humpback whales should be removed from the Endangered Species List. While WDCS supports the review, we caution NMFS that all threats including climate change, w
Happy Halloween
Every holiday is a time to celebrate our oceans and the amazing life they support. Send us photos of your Halloween celebration with marine wildlife and we'll post them here. So be it a dolphin costume or a WDCS carved pumpkin, let's spread the word
South Park And Whaling
Its not the first time the satirical show South Park have addressed the issue of whale conservation, but the latest episode treats this subject with their usual direct in-your-face attitude.
Greenland Puts Off Humpback Vote
At the 61st annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in June 2009, a vote on Greenland’s proposal to increase its aboriginal subsistence whaling quota by ten humpback whales a year was deferred.
Singing For The Sea
WDCS is the global voice for whales, dolphins, porpoises and their environment. But on October 18, it was not the voice of WDCS, but the beautiful sounds of the sirens, the O Beautiful Gaia Singers, that rang out loudly for whales and our waters.
Help Us Win $50,000
Help us win $50,000!
We just entered the Giving Challenge! Our organization can win up to $50,000 if we get the most people to donate. Please visit our cause on Facebook and get involved now!
WDCS Represented At The 18th Biennial Conference On The Biology Of Marine Mammals In Quebec City
WDCS is profiling some of its research and policy work at the 18th Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial meeting currently being held in Quebec City, Canada from October 12-16th. The 18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals of the Society
WDCS Provides Testimony To Ocean Zoning Task Force
On September 24th, WDCS provided testimony to the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force. Using the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale as an example, WDCS emphasized the need for considering cumulative impacts to migratory species.
Europe Moves To Address Threats To European Dolphins
On the18th September 2009 the 6th Meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS) ended in Bonn, Germany. WDCS reports from the meeting
WDCS Joins Groups To Expand Critical Habitat For The Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale
(Washington, DC -- Sept. 15, 2009) Today, conservation and animal welfare groups filed a formal request to expand protected habitat for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Australian Oil Spill Continues – The Impact On Whales And Dolphins Can Not Be Ignored
The leaking oil well in the Timor Sea is now a major environmental disaster, spanning at least 15,000km2 and threatening marine wildlife, including whales and dolphins.
WDCS Launches Whale SENSE
Whale SENSE is a new program promoting responsible whale viewing. Jack Hill of the Hyannis Whale Watcher said “We believe we have a commitment to make the trips safe, not only for our passengers, but also for the whales.
Anniversary Marks 39 Years For Lolita In Captivity
September 14th marks 39 years that Lolita, a female orca held at the Miami Seaquarium, has been kept in captivity. WDCS is asking you to contact the Miami Seaquarium!
Iceland - Stop Whaling Now
Iceland has killed more than 150 whales since May of 2009, including at least 93 endangered fin whales. We urgently need your help to stop this.
Dolphin Drive Hunts Resume In Taiji
Despite the international attention that The Cove has generated across the globe,the dolphin drives continue. Media sources have reported that 100 bottlenose dolphins and 50 pilot whales were driven into Taiji's infamous cove yesterday.
WDCS Mourns The Loss Of Senator Edward M. Kennedy
WDCS grieves the passing of “Ted” Kennedy. Called “the gladiator for the poor”, his voice to protect the environment, the oceans and whales was also strong. Senator Kennedy helped secure funding to restore coastal habitats, improve water quality, and mo
Education Through Art
A local artist and WDCS supported is spreading WDCS's message through her art. Theresa LaBrecque, artist, educator, and good friend, is showing her collection on August 29th at Studio on Slough Road. WDCS's biologist will be attending the Whales and W
The Cove Opens In U.S. Theaters Today!
The Cove, an action-drama film documenting the dolphin drive hunts in Japan premieres in theaters in Los Angeles and New York today, July 31st. This rated PG-13 film will debut in U.S.theaters throughout the month of August. See www.thecovemovie.com
Follow Your Adoted Whale On Twitter
Want to know every time we see your adopted whale? Join Twitter and start following one of our nine highlighted humpbacks.
Dolphin Petting Pools Targeted: Petition For Rulemaking Filed With APHIS
Today, WDCS and a coalition of animal protection groups filed a citizen’s petition for rulemaking with APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), the federal authority under the Department of Agriculture responsible for captive dolphin welfare.
The USA Must Stand Up For Humpbacks
At the recent International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting the outgoing USA delegation supported a proposal for a new hunt of humpback whales by Greenlandic whalers.
Please help us persuade the USA to change its stance.
New Whale Protection Legislation Before Congress
WDCS Supports the recently introduced International Whale Conservation and Protection Act currently seeking support in the US House of Representatives.
Europe: Whale Enemy No.1
Conservationists are outraged by the escalation of whaling and whale meat trade by European countries
Don't Take Me For Granted
Greenland wants to hunt the cousins of our American humpback whales -
don't let them!
Help Stop Greenland Killing Humpbacks
Greenland is planning to make a request to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to kill 10 humpback whales a year, starting in 2010. WDCS believes that the proposed hunt is unjustified and should be opposed by member governments of the IWC.
Protesting Whaling
Representatives from WDCS, Campaign Whale, EIA, IFAW and WSPA protest whaling and met with Icelandic Ambassador Sverrir Haukur Gunnlaugsson at the London Embassy today, as Icelandic whalers head out to sea in search of 250 whales to hunt.
Iceland Whale Hunt Imminent
According to local reports, the whaling vessel Johanna AR is to possibly set sail today, Tuesday, May 26th, out of Njardarvik harbour. Iceland has issued commercial whaling quotas for 100 minke whales and 150 endangered fin whales for the 2009 season.
George Mitchell Students Save Whales
WDCS shifted gears this week and headed west to George Mitchell Elementary in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. about Cetaceans. Little did we know that these students would be so knowledgeable that they actually would be teaching us something!
International Yacht Race Charts Course To Avoid Endangered Whales
Boston, 24th April 2009: After an exhausting journey of more than 4500 nautical miles of intense high sea racing, the vessels participating in the Volvo Ocean Race agreed to plot a course that reduces the risk of collision with whales.
NOAA Vessel Strikes Right Whale
“If an informed crew on a research vessel, with posted observers, can hit a right whale, anyone can” said WDCS Senior Biologist, Regina Asmutis-Silvia. “This is a call to all mariners transiting areas whales are known to inhabit to proceed with caution
Ocean Life Symposium Held In Eastern Caribbean
WDCS attended The Ocean Life Symposium sponsored by the Eastern Caribbean Coalition for Environmental Awareness (ECCEA) and the Pew Environment Group, in coordination with UNEP’s Caribbean Environment Program from March 23-25th on Dominica.
Marine Education Conference
Three-day marine education conference April 24th to 26th in Provincetown to exchange ideas and provide additional tools to naturalist/science educators, interns, volunteers, and those involved with whale watching or research in the Gulf of Maine
The World’s First Conference On Marine Protected Areas For Marine Mammals
Over 150 marine experts from 30 countries around the world will gather in Maui, Hawaii, March 30th to April 3rd to build plans for networks of protected areas, which will help conserve vulnerable species and the places on which they depend.
New PSA Highlights Illegal Feeding Of Wild Dolphins
WDCS welcomes the release of a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) aimed at raising awareness to the problem of feeding dolphins in the wild.
Korea Announces Its Future Whaling Intent
Whilst nations gathered in Rome to discuss a potential deal with Japan in an attempt to reduce Japanese so-called ‘scientific whaling’, Korea announced that if such a deal goes forward it would seek a quota and commence commercial whaling.
Is That Dolphin Really Pink?
For the past several weeks, a “pink” dolphin off the coast of Louisiana has received much attention thanks to an article by Caters News Agency in the UK Guardian.
How Can Right Whales Be Wrong???
South Carolina students have nominated North Atlantic Right Whales to become the official State Marine Mammal. So why are some in the State saying they are the wrong whale for South Carolina?
4th Operator Recognized Under Dolphin SMART
WDCS and Partners recognize newest tour operator to join Dolphin SMART Program. Sea Bear pledges to follow wildlife viewing guidelines and responsible advertising criteria.
Obama Reinstates Endangered Species Protection
March 3rd 2009 is good day for Endangered Species because it means protection is the same for them as it was on March 3rd 2008! On March 3rd, the Obama Administration also reinforced the Endangered Species Act.
Japan, Deceptions, And The Death Of The Whaling Ban
WDCS has released evidence that Japan has used misleading and inaccurate information in its attempts to lift the ban on commercial whaling. Take action with WDCS to stop the world's governments from falling for these deceptions.
Get Involved
It doesn’t matter who or where you are, everyone can do something to save whales and dolphins.
Action Alert!
Save Iceland’s Finbacks And Minkes From Whalers
We need your help to help us in this fight to save Iceland’s fins and minkes from the whalers’ harpoons, and to ensure that whale watching continues to bring vital revenue to Iceland’s floundering economy.
Shrouded By The Sea
An animal welfare problem of major proportions has been uncovered in a new report by WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.
The report, Shrouded by the sea, reveals the shocking truth behind the entanglement of cetaceans in nets.
Iceland Announces Unprecedented New Whale Hunt
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) learned today that in his last days in office, outgoing Fisheries Minister Einar K. Gudfinsson has issued a whaling quota for 150 fin whales and 100 minke whales a year, to run from 2009 until 2013.
Dolphin Tour Operator Training In Key West
WDCS, in collaboration with partners of its Dolphin SMART program, launched the first set of lectures in its series to highlight dolphin research in Florida, and provide information to the interested public in Key West on January 12th.
Report Urges Congress To Enforce Marine Mammal Protections
WDCS commends Rep. Rahall and the House Natural Resources Committee for calling on the Government Accountability Office to assess the repeated failures of the Bush Administration to protect whales and dolphins, even when mandated to do so by U.S. law
North Atlantic Right Whale Seen In Azores
Recent sightings of North Atlantic right whales in previously unknown habitats is exciting because scientists still do not know where over half North Atlantic right whales migrate to during winter.
Happy New Year!
WDCS wishes you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Thank you for all of your support in 2008 and we look forward to another successful year of whale protection in 2009! Here's our Top Ten list for 2008!
Shrouded By The Sea - The Terrible Truth About Dolphins And Whales Caught In Fishing Gear
WDCS publishes Shrouded by the sea , a report revealing the shocking truth behind the entanglement of whales, dolphins and porpoises in fishing nets, estimated to kill more than 300,000 of these animals worldwide each year. The harrowing details of how w
Bush Administration Attacks Endangered Species Act
WDCS is saddened by the latest attack on the Endangered Species Act by the Bush Administration. On December 11th, the Department of Interior announced the passage of a rule to modify the requirements of the Endangered Species Act.
Right Whale Vessel Strike Protection!
We have some wonderful news! After years of diligent work by WDCS and support from our dedicated friends of the Whale Adoption Project like you – critically endangered Northern right whales are now protected by a rule to reduce vessel speed
Rome: Greater Protection Secured For Endangered Dolphin Species, But Habitats Remain Threatened
Several species of dolphin and one porpoise species have been awarded greater protection through the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) at its 9th meeting of Parties in Rome.
CMS: A Call For Urgent Action
WDCS makes a call for urgent action for the marine mammals of the Arctic: CMS COP Rome December 1st
In the afternoon of the opening day of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland, a call to mitigate climate change as a threat to
CMS COP9: WDCS Calls On Parties To Act!
From 1st to 5th December more than 100 Countries will meet in Rome for
the 9th Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the Convention on Migratory
Species (CMS). The WDCS team will be at the meeting fighting for urgent
action to be taken to protect whale
WDCS Calls For Action At UN Meeting
This week, WDCS's Chief Executive, Chris Butler Stroud, delivered the opening speech at a week-long meeting of the Convention of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
Dolphin SMART Program Recognizes First Participant In Coastal Alabama
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and its partners today recognized L.A. Watersports as the first charter operator in Alabama to be accepted into a new program designed to protect wild dolphins.
Japan’s Whalers Set Sail For Kill In Whale Sanctuary
The Japanese whaling fleet has set sail from the ports of Shimonoseki and Hiroshima, with the aim of killing over a thousand whales for so-called research purposes.
WDCS On The Whale Wars: Taking The Battle Beyond The Antarctic
While WDCS does not condone destruction of property, nor accept tactics that endanger lives, we empathize with the public's anger and frustration at the continued killing of whales decades after a ban was put in place to save these magnificent animals.
Southern Right Whale, From The Right Whale To Hunt To The Right Whale To Protect
As the racing yachts approach CapeTown, marking the end of the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, another wanderer of the sea is awaiting their arrival – the southern right whale. By Miguel Iñíguez and Jimena Belgrano
Four Dimensional Homes In The Sea
Whales need homes in the sea. This is what WDCS is saying as part of our Global Campaign for Marine Protected Areas. But what does that mean?
Lobster Harvesting That Protects Whales
Attention seafood lovers. When shopping or eating out, look for lobster with a green band whale tail symbol on its claw that says Massachusetts. The green band means the lobster was caught using traps linked to sinking groundline on the seabed.
When Whales And Dolphins Face Extinction
Nearly 25 percent of the world’s whales and dolphins are under critical threat, according to a 2008 IUCN (World Conservation Union) re-categorization of the status of whale and dolphin species globally.