400
North Atlantic right whales left in the world
Our work with the tourism industry will help stop commercial whaling.
The increase in ocean noise levels is a threat to the animals that live there.
Through bold new alternatives, we’re saving one of the world’s most endangered animals.
Millions of marine species live in our ocean, and they are all in danger. Our team is working to protect the place they call home. By making the ocean safer and healthier, we can save lives and livelihoods.
400
North Atlantic right whales left in the world
1000
whales killed every year by commercial whalers
300,000
whales and dolphins die in fishing gear each year
Entanglements in fishing gear. Collisions with high-speed ships. Ocean noise pollution. Marine plastics. Climate change. Human actions are endangering the largest creatures in our planet’s largest habitat.
Our ocean is vast, and so are our plans to protect the animals who live there—from stopping harmful practices that kill marine life to pioneering sustainable businesses that can build a better life for all.
Sound is essential to the survival and prosperity of marine life, but ocean noise from human activities is threatening this fragile world. We’re working with national governments to reduce the noise pollution created by energy exploration and commercial ships. We’re engaging international shipping organizations to regulate ship speeds and avoid harmful collisions between ships and whales. And we’re lobbying for regulations and pioneering new approaches that will minimize the effects of climate change on our oceans.
Entanglement in outmoded fishing gear, along with ship strikes, have pushed the North Atlantic right whale the brink of extinction. With an estimated population of just 414 animals remaining, these whales may pass the tipping point for recovery in the next five years. That’s why we’ve worked to slow ships down in their habitat and are now working with industry to develop whale safe methods to reduce lethal entanglements. IFAW is committed to play a decisive role in ensuring the survival of this critically endangered whale population.
Whales around the world are threatened by collisions with vessels, known as ship strikes, often resulting in severe injury or death. Steering international shipping lanes around whale habitat is the most effective solution, and where this isn’t possible, slowing vessel speeds can also help protect whales. So we’re working with governments, regulators and industry to keep whales safe from strikes around the world.
Commercial whaling has been banned worldwide since 1986. Sadly, more than 1,000 whales continue to be hunted for commercial purposes each year. With fresh thinking and innovative partnerships, we’re shifting the global mindset toward sustainable new solutions and saving these iconic whales. Whether through public awareness in schools or in facilitating cross-border dialogue among government, tourism and even whaling groups, IFAW continues to be a global leader in protecting the future of our whales.
#SaveOurSeas
we’re shifting the global mindset and protecting whales for the future
See project#SaveOurSeas
ifaw was first founded to end the seal hunt
See project#SaveOurSeas
watching is better than whaling
See project#SaveOurSeas
avoiding a collision course to save whales
See project#SaveOurSeas
whaling and whale conservation can’t go together
See project#SaveOurSeas
don't fail our whale
See project#SaveOurSeas
saving marine life could be as easy as turning down the volume
See projectUpdates
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the impact of climate change on our planet’s animals
Read morestay in the know. be ready to act.
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