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International Marine Mammal Protection Day
People — Dialogues with Dolphins (PDD)™
PEOPLE — DIALOGUES WITH DOLPHINS
International Marine Mammal Protection Day
FEBRUARY 19, 2026
1946 was the starting point for international protection of cetaceans with the establishment of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). However, it took another 40 years of hard work by conservationists and scientists to bring about real change.
On February 19, 1986, the IWC imposed a moratorium on commercial whaling, marking a turning point in the history of marine mammal conservation.
This date was chosen for the annual celebration of World Marine Mammal Day, emphasizing the importance of the decision to marine conservation.
1946 was the starting point for international protection of cetaceans with the establishment of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). However, it took another 40 years of hard work by conservationists and scientists to bring about real change.
On February 19, 1986, the IWC imposed a moratorium on commercial whaling, marking a turning point in the history of marine mammal conservation.
This date was chosen for the annual celebration of World Marine Mammal Day, emphasizing the importance of the decision to marine conservation.
PEOPLE — DIALOGUES WITH DOLPHINS / International Marine Mammal Protection Day
Goals
On this day, the global community unites to address the complex challenges of conserving all species of marine mammals.
The main goal is to draw attention to the need for systemic protection of marine fauna from the key threats of our time: ocean pollution, climate change, poaching and habitat degradation.
Special attention is given to scientific research, population monitoring and the development of effective conservation measures.
The main goal is to draw attention to the need for systemic protection of marine fauna from the key threats of our time: ocean pollution, climate change, poaching and habitat degradation.
Special attention is given to scientific research, population monitoring and the development of effective conservation measures.
PEOPLE — DIALOGUES WITH DOLPHINS / International Marine Mammal Protection Day
How to participate
There are several formats of participation you can organize or join in your region.
- The first way is environmental education: organizing lectures, workshops or exhibitions at local educational institutions.
- The second way is practical assistance: participating in coastal cleanups, joining marine mammal monitoring programs (if you live in a coastal region), or supporting local marine reserves and rehabilitation centers.
- The third way is informational support: disseminating reliable information about marine mammal issues in social networks, creating thematic groups or channels.