International Marine Mammal Project’s Past Milestones and Future Directions

By Rosemary Eilis

“We still need conservationists who will attempt the impossible, achieving it because they aren't aware how impossible it is.” ~ David R. Brower, Founder, Earth Island Institute

IMMP’s Major Milestones

The International Marine Mammal Project (IMMP), a project of Earth Island Institute (EII), has been at the forefront of marine mammal conservation since its inception in 1982. Founded by David Brower, a renowned environmentalist, EII was established to foster environmental initiatives. IMMP is just one of the 75+ projects under the EII banner.

Pioneering Dolphin Safe Tuna

One of IMMP's most notable achievements is the creation of the Dolphin Safe tuna label, fishing standards for tuna, and our global tuna monitoring program. In the late 1980s, the tuna fishing industry was responsible for the deaths of 80,000 to 100,000 dolphins each year due to the practice of using purse seine nets deliberately set on dolphins. In 1988, biologist Samuel LaBudde, working with IMMP, filmed undercover footage of dolphins dying in these nets, which sparked public outrage and led to a significant consumer boycott of canned tuna. This movement culminated in the 1990 Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act, which mandated that tuna labeled as Dolphin Safe could not be caught using methods that harm dolphins -- notably, no setting nets on dolphins to catch tuna​. Today, official numbers show around 2,000 dolphins die yearly in tuna nets, the vast majority in non-Dolphin Safe tuna net sets.

Rescuing Keiko, the Free Willy Whale

IMMP also played the central role in the successful efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and release Keiko, the orca whale made famous by the hit movie Free Willy. Keiko's journey back to the wild drew global attention and significantly impacted public perception of marine mammal captivity. This effort underscored IMMP's commitment to ending the captivity of whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes. To date, Keiko is the only captive orca ever released back into his home waters.

Fighting Dolphin Slaughter in Taiji

Another significant campaign led by IMMP is the fight against the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan. The annual hunts, where dolphins are captured or killed for their meat or sold to aquariums, have been internationally condemned. IMMP has been actively involved in raising awareness and pushing for an end to these brutal practices, which were brought to global prominence by the Oscar-winning documentary The Cove, which features IMMP’s efforts to protect the dolphins. While the dolphin drive hunts still continue, the number of dolphins being killed has declined since IMMP began our Save Japan Dolphins campaign.

IMMP has significantly advanced the protection of marine mammals, saving tens of thousands of dolphins annually and setting high standards for marine conservation. Our organization's ongoing work continues to inspire and mobilize global action to preserve marine life and their habitats.

Looking to the Future

Ending Commercial Whaling

IMMP has been in the vanguard of the fight against whaling for decades, and the team’s efforts continue to this day. In Norway, we are calling for an end to the brutal whaling practices that persist despite international opposition. IMMP is ramping up campaigns to pressure the Norwegian, Icelandic and Japanese governments to cease whaling activities, highlighting the inhumane methods used and the ecological impacts of these practices. Our ongoing advocacy focuses on raising global awareness, pushing for stronger international regulations and enforcement, and bringing pressure on governments to end commercial whaling once and for all.

Combating Plastic Pollution

The battle against plastic pollution is a significant part of IMMP’s mission. We sent copies of our recent report, The Plastics Plague: Marine Mammals and Our Oceans in Peril, to 200+ UN Plastics Treaty negotiators and recommended including specific restrictions on entangling plastic fishing gear. . We have joined our sister organization, Plastic Pollution Coalition, in advocating for stringent measures to curb plastic production, enhance waste management systems globally, and to reduce plastic waste. IMMP’s landmark plastics lawsuit with three other Earth Island projects, is moving forward. We aim to hold ten major food, beverage and consumer goods corporations accountable for massive plastic pollution. Through our efforts, we aim to eliminate and mitigate the devastating effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, marine mammals and our communities.

Ending Captivity of Marine Mammals

One of IMMP’s notable victories is the recent shutting down of two US dolphinariums, signaling a significant step toward ending the captivity of marine mammals. IMMP is also vigorously supporting legislative efforts like the SWIMS Act, which aims to phase out the captivity of small whales in the United States, working with members of Congress and leading a coalition of environmental and animal welfare groups. Our advocacy extends to educating the public about the ethical issues associated with marine mammal captivity and promoting alternative, humane ways to view marine species.

Protecting Dolphins from Tuna Nets

In 2023, IMMP monitors conducted more than 500 audits of tuna companies in 77 countries, enforcing Dolphin Safe standards. These efforts prevent the deaths of approximately 90,000 dolphins annually. More than 800 tuna companies now catch tuna without harming dolphins, thanks to IMMP’s rigorous standards. Additionally, in partnership with Friend of the Sea, we are advocating for the mandatory use of remote electronic monitoring, including closed circuit television, on commercial fishing vessels to ensure compliance and also protect observers and crew members.

Saving Japan Dolphins

Our work in Japan continues to be a critical focus area. Collaborating with local activists, IMMP is actively opposing the dolphin slaughter in Taiji's notorious Cove. We engage specialized labs in Japan to test dolphin and whale meet sold in Japanese markets. We are also publicizing the health risks associated with consuming the meat, which often contains dangerous levels of mercury and PCBs, exceeding Japan’s health safety standards. Moreover, IMMP was the first to highlight scientific findings indicating a decline in Japan’s dolphin populations due to overexploitation. We support Japanese activists through funding and advocacy, empowering them to monitor and protest against dolphin hunts and captivity. This work by Japanese nationals is crucial to shifting public opinion and policy within Japan.

IMMP has a storied history of championing causes for marine mammals, achieving significant milestones in conservation and animal protection. As we look to the future, IMMP remains committed to ending whaling and marine mammal captivity, combating plastic pollution, and protecting dolphins from harmful fishing practices. Our efforts continue to evolve, driven by a relentless pursuit of a safer, healthier world for all marine life.

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You can help whales and dolphins! Join IMMP in our mission to protect marine mammals and their ocean homes. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every action makes a difference. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our oceans and the magnificent whales and dolphins that inhabit them. Please donate today. Thank you!