IMMP 2025 Accomplishments & Impact

By the International Marine Mammal Project Staff

2025 has been a year of extraordinary progress for the International Marine Mammal Project (IMMP) of Earth Island Institute—one of the most decisive years in our multi‑decade effort to protect whales and dolphins worldwide. Thanks to the dedication of supporters, partner organizations, and advocates around the world, we’ve pushed forward major reforms, secured historic victories, and created real hope for marine mammals facing escalating threats.

Below is a reflection of the year’s achievements—nine areas where collective action, perseverance, and compassion have made a profound difference. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has stood with us, amplified our work, and fueled the momentum behind these accomplishments.

1. ENDING CAPTIVITY FOR WHALES & DOLPHINS

2025 marked major turning points in the global movement to end captivity. Marineland Antibes—the last facility in France to hold dolphins and whales—closed its doors following national legislation banning cetacean captivity. IMMP played a pivotal role in preventing the transfer of the final two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, to inadequate facilities in Japan and Spain. With IMMP's support, the French government recently recommended that Wikie and Keijo go to the Whale Sanctuary Project's Nova Scotia sanctuary. The Canadian government has approved the construction of the sanctuary. There are still hurdles (cooperation with Marineland, which holds the orcas, and funding for sanctuary construction), but great progress is being made for Wikie and Keijo's future.

In Canada, the “Free Willy Bill” finally took full effect. Marineland Ontario shut down, leaving roughly 30 beluga whales whose future is uncertain. IMMP is advocating for the relocation of some of these belugas to the Whale Sanctuary Project’s newly approved seaside sanctuary site in Nova Scotia.

Mexico also took a decisive step forward by banning the exploitation of dolphins and whales for entertainment and outlawing wild capture for breeding. And, in the U.S., after decades of public pressure, the Miami Seaquarium finally closed, leaving SeaWorld as the last company still holding orcas in the nation.

2. PROTECTING DOLPHINS FROM DESTRUCTIVE FISHING PRACTICES

This year marked the 35th anniversary of the Dolphin Safe Tuna Program—a landmark victory that ended the deliberate chasing and netting of dolphins by commercial tuna fleets. Today, more than 850 companies in 76 countries adhere to Dolphin Safe standards, sparing tens of thousands of dolphins from deadly fishing practices annually.

In 2025, we expanded program oversight, ramped up pressure on regional fisheries management organizations, and continued pushing for strengthened observer coverage and electronic monitoring on vessels around the world.

3. STOPPING THE GUTTING OF FEDERAL PROTECTIONS FOR MARINE MAMMALS

Threats to the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) escalated this year with attempts to weaken core provisions that safeguard whales, dolphins, seals, and their habitats. The push to open U.S. coastal waters—including marine sanctuaries—to offshore drilling further amplified these risks.

Working with a broad coalition of environmental organizations, IMMP helped block these rollbacks, defending both the MMPA and Endangered Species Act from political erosion. Together, we continue to stand strong against efforts that threaten vulnerable marine species.

4. SAVING NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES

With just 380 individuals remaining, North Atlantic right whales are the most endangered large whales on the planet. Ship strikes and entanglement in lobster and crab fishing gear continue to be the greatest threats to their survival.

Thanks to donor support, IMMP expanded its presence in Maine—ground zero for the entanglement crisis—by adding an on-the-ground organizer to engage communities, advocate for stronger protections, and increase public awareness. For the first time in years, the population shows a slight increase, offering a flicker of hope for this struggling species.

5. ENDING THE TAIJI DOLPHIN SLAUGHTER

Despite global condemnation, the Japanese government continues to allow and subsidize the annual dolphin drives in Taiji. IMMP provides vital support to courageous Japanese activists, including Kunito Seko, who documents the drives each morning during killing season. His reports keep international attention focused on the ongoing cruelty and amplify voices calling for permanent change within Japan.

6. ADVANCING WHALE SEASIDE SANCTUARIES

As marine parks and dolphinariums closed around the world in 2025, the need for seaside sanctuaries has never been more urgent. IMMP Executive Director David Phillips continues to serve on the Board of the Whale Sanctuary Project, which secured a government lease this year for its first sanctuary site in Nova Scotia—a crucial milestone enabling construction to move forward.

IMMP also helped block international sales of captive orcas and belugas from France and Canada, underscoring our commitment to ensuring these animals have a chance at life in natural ocean environments.

7. BARATARIA BASIN MEGA‑PROJECT SCRAPPED

IMMP and Earth Island Institute joined a lawsuit in 2024 to challenge a multibillion-dollar Army Corps plan to divert Mississippi River water into the Barataria wetlands—an action that would have devastated local fisheries and killed an estimated 2,000 bottlenose dolphins. In July 2025, after rising costs, permit challenges, and public opposition, the Louisiana governor halted the project. This was a hard‑won and consequential victory for communities and marine life.

8. FIGHTING THE SCOURGE OF PLASTICS

Earth Island Institute and co-plaintiff projects IMMP, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and Shark Stewards continued their roles in a groundbreaking lawsuit against major plastic producers, including Coca‑Cola, PepsiCo, Colgate‑Palmolive, and Crystal Geyser. IMMP focuses on plastic pollution’s harm to marine life across the food chain, especially to marine mammals. It remains one of the most pervasive threats in the ocean.

Despite aggressive attempts by defendants to dismiss the case, the California court has allowed it to proceed, with trial scheduled for May 2026. IMMP continues documenting the impacts of plastic on marine mammals, ensuring their suffering is represented in this fight for accountability.

9. KEEPING THE KEIKO LEGACY ALIVE

More than 30 years after our program to rescue Keiko, the orca star of the hit movie Free Willy, he remains a symbol of hope and a catalyst for global change. Public attitudes around captivity have transformed dramatically, and the story of the only captive performing orca ever returned to his home waters continues to inspire millions.

In 2025, IMMP supported the development of a major three‑episode HBO documentary on Keiko’s life and legacy, set for release in 2026 or early 2027. This follows last year’s remarkable global engagement through the Serial Podcast The Great Whale, which shared Keiko’s story with over 5 million listeners.

CONCLUSION

These accomplishments are only possible because of the people who stand with us—donors, foundations, activists, scientists, and supporters across the globe. Every victory, every animal saved, and every policy defended is a testament to your belief that whales and dolphins deserve safety, freedom, and respect.

Thank you for fueling this work. Together, we are shaping a future where the oceans are safer, healthier, and more compassionate for all who call them home.

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Please consider a generous donation this holiday season to protect whales, dolphins, and their ocean homes. Wikie, Keijo, and the 30 belugas in Canada need your help. So do the whales and dolphins at sea, in danger from harpoons, nets, oil spills, and devastating ocean noise. We appreciate your support, and thank you for your donations.