Whales have been hunted for centuries
Today, this savagery is the prerogative of only a few countries, and whale populations no longer face mass genocide at the hands of humans. But these giants of the oceans are still very fragile and face many challenges today. There are, however, non-profits that are helping the whales. So meet the Ocean Alliance.
Whales are endangered and defenseless
© Christian Miller
From the early 17th century until 1986, humans hunted whales for their oil, meat, and body parts. The International Whaling Commission (IWC), the organization responsible for regulating whaling, placed a global ban on commercial whaling in 1986 (the US outlawed whaling in 1971). While whaling is illegal in most countries, Norway, Japan, and Iceland continue to engage in the practice. During the global whaling period, scientists estimate that whale populations declined by 66 to 90 percent from pre-whaling numbers.
Unfortunately, whales are endangered even today. They are most threatened by overfishing, pollution, dam/bridge construction, private/commercial boating, and commercial whaling. But whales have their protectors! There are organizations that are doing everything possible to help and protect these majestic giants. One of them is the internationally renowned non-profit Ocean Alliance.
About Ocean Alliance
Ocean Alliance is a non-profit organization, founded in 1971 as one of the world’s first organizations dedicated to the protection of whales and their marine environment. Ocean Alliance's research programs have helped to shape humanity’s understanding of whales, while it's education and outreach efforts have introduced millions of people worldwide to the world of whales – and why it is so important that we protect them.
Ocean Alliance helps foster an emotional connection between the public and whales through film, videos, photography, and acoustic recordings; it inspires the public to be more aware of the threats facing whales and better understand what they can do about them.
Ocean Alliance work at the intersection of science, technology, and education, conducting scientific research to inform the public, policymakers, wildlife managers, educators, and a wide array of stakeholders on the plight of whales and what we can all do to protect them.
Ocean Alliance have helped establish marine protected areas around the world, discovered previously unknown whale populations, and helped to write and advocate for the Marine Mammal Protection Act – the primary law protecting whales in the United States.
Notably, the organization has been instrumental in developing non-invasive research techniques that are now standard in marine mammal science such as photo-identification, bio-acoustics, and innovative drone technologies like SnotBot.
© Christian Miller
Ocean Alliance has reached the highest standards of financial excellence. This organization uses approximately 82% of its funds to finance its activities, with the remaining 18% covering administrative and fundraising costs. This makes it one of the most financially efficient institutions of its kind.
How can you help? Donate now!
Support this great non-profit and donate now. 100% of your donation will go to the non-profit Ocean Alliance to be used for scientific equipment, expedition activities and more to help humanity better understand whales and to better protect them.
