Since 1982, the International Marine Mammal Project (IMMP) has been a global leader in protecting whales and dolphins and their ocean habitats.
IMMP pioneered the Dolphin Safe tuna fishing standard, stopping the intentional chasing and netting of dolphins by many tuna companies and preventing tens of thousands of dolphin deaths annually. We continue to monitor more than 800 tuna companies to ensure they do not engage in the destructive fishing method of intentionally chasing and netting of dolphins to catch tuna that swim below schools of dolphins.
IMMP directed the historic rescue and release of the orca whale Keiko, made famous in the movie Free Willy, and is fighting to end the tragic slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan, as featured in the Academy Award–winning movie The Cove.
IMMP continues efforts to stop all trade in live dolphins and whales and end the capture and captivity of whales and dolphins for circus performances. IMMP has launched a new campaign to end the holding of orca whales in concrete tanks and to require relocation of captive orcas to certified seaside sanctuaries.
IMMP fights against pollution and plastics in the ocean, particularly the entanglement of marine life in fishing gear.
We have achieved victories for marine mammals around the world and we continue to work to make the oceans safe for whales, dolphins, and marine life.
We are a proud project of the nonprofit tax-deductible Earth Island Institute, and are headquartered in Berkeley, California USA.
