400
North Atlantic right whales left in the world
Marine Conservation
Our ocean is in crisis. Marine life and habitats face more threats today than ever before. 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.
Turn Down the Volume
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.
Read more on our 'Underwater Noise' factsheet.
Save the Last Whales
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 340 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.
Prevent a Collision Course
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.
Stop Whaling, Start Watching
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.
Conserving Kenya’s marine life
See projectmarine mammal rescue meets conservation
See projectwe’re shifting the global mindset and protecting whales for the future
See projectifaw was first founded to end the seal hunt
See projectavoiding a collision course to save whales
See projectwatching is better than whaling
See projectwhaling and whale conservation can’t go together
See projectDon't fail our whale
See projectsaving marine life could be as easy as turning down the volume
See projectBlog
How a chemical released by tiny marine animals can help protect North Atlantic right whales
Read morePress releases
First Greek shipping company changes course for its ships to protect endangered whales in Hellenic Trench
Read moreBlog
How can you work in marine conservation?
Read moreBlog
Ocean noise pollution: What is it and why is it a problem?
Read moreEvery problem has a solution, every solution needs support.
The problems we face are urgent, complicated, and resistant to change. Real solutions demand creativity, hard work, and involvement from people like you.
Unfortunately, the browser you use is outdated and does not allow you to display the site correctly. Please install any of the modern browsers, for example:
Google Chrome Firefox Safari