Fortunately, environmental activists can help to prevent the needless slaughter and kidnapping of dolphins. If you care about dolphins, consider taking any-- or all-- of these measures to save them.
Boycott Dolphinariums and Theme Parks
A bottlenose dolphin's face is frozen into a perpetual grin. Because their natural grimaces resemble a human smile, many people fall for the illusion that dolphins in exhibits are always happy. Not so. According to Ric O'Barry-- activist, "Cove" director, and former dolphin trainer-- captive dolphins experience constant stress and depression. Dolphins captured for aquariums and swim-with-dolphins programs frequently die in transit. Those who make it to their captive homes live short, painful lives.
If you love dolphins, you may be tempted to participate in a swim-with-dolphins program or watch a show at SeaWorld. While these organizations often claim that their programs are educational and conservation-focused, nothing could be further from the truth. An "educational" experience with a captive dolphin is not worth the torture that the animal must endure for your entertainment. An alternative: visit a nonprofit that rehabilitates injured dolphins, or go for a dive in an area populated by wild sea mammals.
Think Before Flushing
This one simple measure can save dolphins and porpoises all over the world. When you flush something down your sink or commode, you probably aren't thinking about where your waste will end up. However, environmentalists warn against this "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. There is no "away"-- all of your waste will ultimately find its way to streams, rivers, and the ocean. Most organic wastes are eliminated by sewage treatment, but chemical contaminants enter the ocean unfazed.
According to the Dolphin Research Center, contaminants in sewage pose a major threat to dolphins. PCBs, dioxins, heavy metals and human medications all accumulate within a dolphin's bloodstream. This leads to neurological problems, sterility and a weakened immune system. In turn, the dolphins become prone to opportunistic infections like morbillivirus and toxoplasmosis. Think twice before flushing your cat's seemingly harmless litter-- read here to find out how it may be killing dolphins.
Consider your Seafood
If you are an environmentally conscious consumer, you probably already check your tuna for a "dolphin-safe" label before you buy it. Unfortunately, there are relatively few legal restrictions governing the use of this term. By law, "dolphin-safe" tuna can be captured using any method besides encircling-- so even your "dolphin-safe" seafood may be directly responsible for the death of these beautiful sea mammals.
Additionally, understand that "dolphin-safe" foods may not necessarily be ecosystem-safe. Your seafood may not directly harm dolphins, but its capture may have killed sharks, sea turtles and wahoo. An unhealthy ecosystem is not a good home for any living thing. Your best bet? Consider going vegetarian. Our dying oceans will thank you for your choice.
Get Involved
Nonprofit organizations all over the world work tirelessly to save dolphins and porpoises. Your time and donations are essential for keeping these organizations active. Consider donating to Defenders of Wildlife, the World Wildlife Fund, Blue Voice, Sea Shepherd or Save Japan Dolphins. These organizations provide hope to our planet's many failing aquatic ecosystems.
If you live in a coastal region, involve yourself in real-world activism. Join your local Sierra Clubchapter. Boat and fish responsibly. Distribute fliers and pamphlets to spread awareness about the need to protect our oceans. Additionally, if you live near a zoo, aquarium or theme park that shows captive dolphins, don't be afraid to make a stink-- particularly if the dolphins held in captivity are wild-caught. Click here to view a list of dolphinariums shut down by real-world activists like you.