Whalewatch is a coalition of over 140 organisations from more than 50 countries, which has launched a global campaign against all commercial and 'scientific' whaling. The campaign focusses on the cruelty involved, and the coalition's report Troubled Waters includes scientific evidence that no method of slaughter can kill a cetacean humanely. Whalewatch is supported by Sir David Attenborough and led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals.

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)

WDCS is the world's most active charity dedicated specifically to the conservation and welfare of cetaceans. It operates a range of campaigns and conservation projects. You can support its work through purchasing cetacean-related gifts from the WDCS Shop. WDCS also operates its own whale-watching company called Out of the Blue (see our Travel page for more information).

The Marine Connection

The Marine Connection is a charity concerned with the conservation and protection of dolphins, whales and their environment. Through continuous education and campaigning, it aims to contribute towards a world that understands and respects our oceans and all their inhabitants. The website includes a massive collection of press releases and articles from around the world, covering issues such as cetaceans in captivity, human impacts, and strandings.

Organisation Cetacea (ORCA)

ORCA promotes the conservation of the marine environment through research, education and partnership working, and encourages the responsible enjoyment of cetaceans, seabirds and other marine life. ORCA is involved in several marine wildlife surveys in European waters, and the information gathered is made available to scientists, conservationists, students and the general public. ORCA members are encouraged to become actively involved in the surveys.

Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)
Cetaceans campaign

The EIA is an international campaigning organisation committed to investigating and exposing environmental crime. Its Species in Peril programme focuses on species that are threatened with extinction due to the impact of illegal trade in body parts, over-exploitation and the destruction of natural habitat. Within the programme, the cetaceans campaign tackles the threat to whales, dolphins and porpoises from commercial whaling, over-fishing, bycatch, ship strikes and pollution.

Born Free Foundation (BFF)
Marine campaign

The Born Free Foundation campaigns for the protection and conservation of animals in their natural habitat and against animals in zoos, circuses or other forms of captivity. Its dolphin and orca campaign aims to end the incarceration of cetaceans in marine parks, and to protect them in their natural habitat. BFF is opposed to captive swim-with-dolphins experiences, and of course commercial whaling.