Bottlenose dolphins are some of the most beloved marine creatures all over the world; consequently, efforts to prevent their extinction and preserve their native habitats are concentrated in organisations located throughout the globe.It is an important issue and one that requires cooperation between countries.

Here are just some of the more important efforts regarding dolphin conservation.

The International Whaling Commission

Whilst it may seem rather unusual to list the International Whaling Commission (IWC) as being involved in dolphin conservation, the truth is that many marine mammals we consider to be whales are in fact members of the dolphin family. The focus of the IWC is to protect whales and dolphins from being captured and used for their resources.

IUCN/The World Conservation Union

The Species Survival Commission and its corresponding Cetacean Specialist Group are branches of the IUCN. These organisations have developed an action plan which specifically targets conservation of bottlenose dolphins and preventing them from becoming accidentally entangled in fishermen’s nets.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora (CITES)

CITES lists bottlenose dolphins as a threatened species which could quickly become endangered if trade in their resources is not regulated worldwide. CITES also protects toothed whales that are part of the dolphin family.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of the U.S.

The United States’ Marine Mammal Protection Act was enacted in 1972 in order to protect various species of mammals in the oceans. The act makes it illegal for anyone to touch, feed, or harm in any way marine animals found in their natural habitat; in fact U.S. citizens cannot even approach them. This legislation is enforced by the National Marine Fisheries Service and covers protection of both whales and dolphins along with all other marine mammals.

U.S. Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act (DPCIA)

The United States passed another piece of legislation in 1990 aimed at offering further protection to the bottlenose dolphin and his cousins. Thanks to this act, tinned tuna sold in the U.S. is labelled as “Dolphin Safe” if the producers’ fishing methods are proven safe for marine animals. This became quite popular with consumers and the end result was the complete elimination of dolphin deaths due to accidental entrapment by 1996.

Additionally, in 1991 the United Nations adopted a similar global moratorium based on this legislation.

Thankfully conservation efforts to prevent the Bottlenose Dolphin from becoming endangered are underway throughout the world. With continued endeavours, this intelligent marine mammal should exist well into the future.

Find out about other types of dolphins and the intelligence of bottlenose dolphins.