Whale and Dolphin Conservation (International)
@whalesorg
Inspiring global action to create a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.
Norway is getting away with (whale) murder. Our new report reveals new findings from Norway's own official whaling data and asks why Norway has largely escaped the scrutiny faced by other whaling nations. 1/2
As the debate continues over the future of North Sea oil and gas, one question matters above all: Are we listening to the science? From record-breaking temperatures and marine heatwaves to major changes in ocean currents that help regulate our climate, the evidence is hard to ignore. 1/3
In June last year, we launched the very first WDC Shorewatch site in England at Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire, in partnership with @rspb.bsky.social 16 months later, the amazing volunteers have already completed over 1,000 surveys and recorded 2,384 marine mammal sightings! 🐬 1/2 📷Christopher Swann
We've teamed up with BBC Countryfile to shine a light on the world's rarest giant, the North Atlantic right whale 👉 https://tinyurl.com/d9vb4mhe With fewer than 400 left, it is more important than ever to raise awareness of these beautiful whales.
Exciting discovery 😮 Scientists have uncovered a 700-mile-long underwater 'whale graveyard' in the south-eastern Indian Ocean with some fossils and bones dating back more than five million years. Find out more about this incredible discovery here: uk.whales.org/2026/06/12/m...
More than 1,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises die every year due to bycatch in UK waters. A new report by Wildlife and Countryside Link, which we are supporting, reveals the devastating impact of entanglement in fishing gear. 1\3
Species Spotlight: Fraser’s Dolphin These striking dolphins are known for their dark 'bandit-like' stripe and highly social nature. Found in tropical oceans worldwide, they travel in pods of hundreds, sometimes over 1,000 individuals! Sadly, they face threats from fishing gear and targeted hunts.
A special shout-out to coral reefs. Reefs support ocean health by providing food, shelter, & protection for countless marine species, including whales & dolphins. They also help maintain water quality and biodiversity, maintaining a healthy ocean. #WorldReefAwarenessDay
Think empathy is only human? Think again. Whales and dolphins demonstrate care, protection, and compassion in astonishing ways. In our new series, we’ll share unbelievable stories showing their empathetic side. First up: humpback whales, the graceful songbirds of the ocean.
With huge thanks to @_factfull_ for the illustrations
Whale and dolphin vocalisations are truly incredible, from clicks and whistles to haunting songs beneath the waves. Our offshore industries coordinator Emma explores some of the most fascinating whale and dolphin sounds below. Which is your favourite?
Did you know dwarf minke whales make sounds that have been compared to a Star Wars lightsaber? 🤔 You can hear it at the link 👉 tinyurl.com/r4b2tdrj
125 pilot whales killed in the first Grindadráp (hunt) of the season, including calves & pregnant females💔 1/3
Japan’s 2026 whaling season has begun and hunting vessels have returned to sea.Despite growing criticism & declining demand, opposition to whaling within Japan remains small. That’s why supporting local voices & research is critical. Real change must come from within👉 https://ow.ly/9ytw50YVYt8
Happy 100th Birthday to a true icon of wildlife conservation — Sir David Attenborough 🥳
Iceland’s only fin whaling company plans to resume hunting this summer after 2 years off. But demand is falling, the business is losing money, & whale meat is piling up unsold. So why restart? We’re urging Iceland to revoke the license before the season begins 👉 https://ow.ly/qv4y50YT84c
YOU DID IT 🥳 You raised over £60k for whales and dolphins, and we cannot express our gratitude enough. We understand that times are difficult at the moment, but it means the world to us that, even in this tough environment, you have come together for whales and dolphins. 1/4
Today is #WorldNoiseDay, so could you tell the difference between an orca and a pilot whale just by sound? 🐋 From dolphin clicks to the songs of the humpback whales, ocean soundscapes are incredible.
The war in Ukraine is harming whales and dolphins in the Black Sea. Military activity, ships, explosions, fires, and floating mines, have been disturbing these them for years. Now, pollution and toxic contamination from munitions are making things even worse 👉 https://ow.ly/teAG50YKnsz
Happy National Dolphin Day 🐬 Today we are giving a special spotlight to the bottlenose dolphins of Moray Firth in Scotland. Meet Charlie, Rainbow & Indigo. Did you know you can adopt one of these dolphins through WDC & help protect them for generations to come? 👉 https://ow.ly/cb4i50YIEfV
We are incredibly saddened to hear the news that Doug Allan OBE, an award-winning wildlife cameraman and WDC patron, has passed away. Doug was a passionate environmental campaigner, lending his voice to WDC to raise awareness of the threats whales and dolphins face every day. 1/2
Happy #NationalUnicornDay or should we say Unofficial Narwhal Day!
Could the Rice’s whale be pushed to extinction? Fewer than 50 remain, and they only live in the Gulf of Mexico, but the Trump administration has removed protections to allow more oil and gas drilling, amid the growing crisis in Iran and the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 1/2
#DYK that over time the endangered Ganges river dolphins have become blind due to how polluted their habit is, meaning they rely predominately on using echolocation. In a world 1st, scientists have reportedly made 'contact lenses' for dolphins to help them see. Learn more: https://ow.ly/S31O50YzfLw
Norway’s whaling season starts tomorrow. With a larger kill-quota: 1,641 whales. But only 1% of Norwegians regularly eat whale meat*. So who is the hunt really for? Our campaigner Lottie examines why whaling is cruel and unnecessary. 1/2
Last month, we asked supporters to invite their MPs to an event in the Houses of Parliament. You did and MPs told us they attended because of those messages. That’s real impact. Now we’re sharing what happened next, and why it matters for whales and dolphins 👉 tinyurl.com/5m6yxhxx
Up to 23 million tonnes of plastic enter the aquatic environment every year. 64% of whale & dolphin species have been recorded eating plastic mistaking it for food. It is a big problem, but small actions matter.
In July 2023, dozens of pilot whales stranded on Lewis, Scotland. A new report suggests the tragedy may have begun with a female experiencing a difficult birth. Pilot whales have such strong social bonds, the rest of the pod may have followed the distressed mother.👉 https://ow.ly/KX3Y50Yv7qW
Happy #MothersDay to all the incredible mothers, caregivers, & guardians on land & in the sea. Mother orcas are devoted parents - Southern Resident pods are led by females & made up of close relatives. Sons stay with their mothers for life, relying on her knowledge to help find food. 📷 Rob Lott
Joanna Lumley has lent her voice to our coalition campaign urging MPs to get their ACT together. Two years ago, the UK passed the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act, designed to stop UK companies advertising & selling cruel overseas animal attractions like elephant rides and dolphin shows.