Marine Conservation

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.