Dolphins are some of the most agile and intelligent animals on the planet. Yet, many species are threatened with extinction, including all 6 species of river dolphin. Dolphins play an essential role in marine ecosystems but they face a multitude of threats from pollution to overfishing. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting dolphins?

The best charities for protecting dolphins are Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project and the International Marine Mammal Project. Furthermore, other charities like the Taras Oceanographic Foundation and the Sea Watch Foundation focus on dolphin research to identify conservation hotspots.

Whether you want to campaign for the end of the cruel captive dolphin trade, invest in research to better understand and protect dolphins worldwide, or simply ensure that all dolphins can live in peace in their natural habitats, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for protecting dolphins are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities for Protecting Dolphins Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact and transparency ratings, and achievements.

They operate all over the world, from North America to Asia, protecting dolphins and their habitats.

Many of the charities on this list focus their efforts on shutting down cruel practices such as whale hunting and the captive dolphin trade. They also engage in rescue missions for injured, ill, or abused dolphins; both wild and captive.

Other charities focus on researching dolphin biology, ecology, and behavior to better understand their needs and protect vital habitats. 

Yet, they all share the same goal; to ensure all dolphins can thrive in their natural environments. 

These Are the 9 Best Charities for Protecting Dolphins in 2025

Below are our favorite charities for protecting dolphins (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities for Protecting Dolphins

Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project

International Marine Mammal Project

Whale and Dolphin Conservation

ORCA

World Cetacean Alliance

Dolphin Research Australia

Taras Oceanographic Foundation

The Marine Mammal Center

Sea Watch Foundation

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project: Dolphin Defenders

Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project was founded in 1970 by advocate Ric O’Barry to protect dolphins from the cruel dolphin captivity industry. Today, the charity is the longest-running anti-captivity dolphin welfare organization in the world. 

Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project holds a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To educate the public about captivity and, where feasible, retire and/or release captive dolphins.”

Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project

Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project works to end the exploitation and slaughter of dolphins in captivity through advocacy, education, and on-the-ground action. For example, through their Dolphin Sanctuary Project, they rehabilitate and release captive dolphins, as well as act as a permanent home for captive dolphins that can’t safely be returned to the wild. In addition, the charity is working with local communities to end the dolphin hunting trade in the Solomon Islands. Furthermore, they operate a free school to educate children about dolphins and run a marine mammal response initiative across Indonesia. 

Since their founding, Ric O’Barry Dolphin Project has remained dedicated to protecting dolphins from harmful practices. For example, in 2019, they helped to establish the world’s first and only permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release, and retirement facility for formerly captive dolphins. And, thanks to the relentless campaigning of the charity, Indonesia’s traveling dolphin circus has now been shut down. Furthermore, as the only organization to have a permanent presence in Taiji since 2003, they have successfully reduced annual dolphin slaughters from 1,400 to under 400. 

You can donate directly to Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online store or fundraising.

International Marine Mammal Project: Protecting Whales and Dolphins and Their Habitats

The International Marine Mammal Project (IMMP) was founded in 1982 by David Brower and David Phillips as a project of the Earth Island Institute to protect marine mammals around the world. Today, the charity is a global leader in the protection of whales, dolphins, and their habitats. 

The Earth Island Institute, of which the International Marine Mammal Project is an initiative, holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Leading the fight to protect dolphins, whales, and the ocean environment.”

International Marine Mammal Project

The International Marine Mammal Project works to protect marine mammals, including dolphins, through their various campaigns and undercover investigations. For example, through their Save Japan Dolphins initiative, they advocate for the end of cruel drive hunts by educating local communities. They also protect dolphins from detrimental fishing practices, particularly commercial tuna fishing, by tightening regulations on the Dolphin Safe tuna label, ensuring that the tuna is caught without any chasing, netting, and killing of dolphins. 

Since their founding, the International Marine Mammal Project has remained committed to protecting wild dolphins in their natural habitats. For example, since 1990, their Dolphin Safe Monitoring Program has resulted in a 90% drop in dolphin deaths by tuna nets, covering more than 800 companies across 76 countries. They have also initiated efforts to protect a population of rare Irrawaddy dolphins, endorsed by 50 organizations, by encouraging the government to list the species as critically endangered and establishing a reserve to prevent impacts from fishing nets and boat traffic. 

You can donate directly to the International Marine Mammal Project through their website. You can also support the charity by signing one of their petitions. 

Whale and Dolphin Conservation: Protecting Whales and Dolphins Worldwide

Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) was founded in 1987 as the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. In 2012, their name was changed to Whale and Dolphin Conservation, led by Chris Butler-Stroud. Today, the charity is the leading organization dedicated to the protection of whales and dolphins worldwide. 

The US branch of Whale and Dolphin Conservation holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. According to their financial report, the charity spent 68% of their expenditure on conservation and campaigns, and 25% on fundraising and education.

“A world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.”

Whale and Dolphin Conservation

Whale and Dolphin Conservation campaigns for the end of the captive whale and dolphin entertainment industry and fights to stop dolphin hunts around the world. In addition, the charity works with international bodies and governments to designate protected areas for wild dolphins where they are needed most. For example, they have partnered with the African Aquatic Conservation Fund (AACF) to protect the critically endangered Atlantic humpback dolphin from a multitude of threats including pollution and hunting, by working directly with local communities. They also work with governments to ban harmful fishing gear that traps hundreds of thousands of whales and dolphins every year. 

Since their inception, Whale and Dolphin Conservation has continued to save endangered dolphin species and their habitats. For example, thanks to the advocacy efforts of the charity, the Indian government has banned whale and dolphin captivity. And, companies such as Tripadvisor, British Airways, and Virgin have agreed to stop selling tickets to attractions that hold dolphins and whales captive. In addition, the charity has significantly reduced bycatch in gillnets across the US by requiring the use of ‘pingers’ that alert porpoises to the nets. 

You can donate directly to Whale and Dolphin Conservation through their website. You can also support the charity by symbolically adopting a whale or dolphin, or through fundraising.

ORCA: Dedicated to the Study and Protection of Cetaceans

ORCA was founded in 2001 by a group of passionate individuals to safeguard the future of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises through research and conservation. Today, the charity is dedicated to the long-term protection of all cetaceans and their habitats worldwide. 

According to their financial report, ORCA spent 92.6% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 7.4% on raising funds. 

“To give everyone who cares about whale and dolphin conservation an active role in safeguarding their future.”

ORCA

ORCA works to identify and protect critical whale and dolphin habitats through research and collaboration with volunteers. For example, they offer members of the public the chance to get involved in citizenship science through educational courses, monitoring programs, and Sea Safari trips. They then collaborate all this data to identify biodiversity hotspots in need of protection. They also work with the shipping sector to raise awareness of ship-cetacean collisions as well as the impacts of shipping activity on whales and dolphins. 

Since their founding, ORCA has remained committed to protecting whales and dolphins worldwide through research. For example, their annual State of Cetaceans report is considered to be an authoritative snapshot of whale and dolphin populations, compiled from tens of thousands of kilometers of survey effort. For example, in 2023, through 330,246 km of monitoring surveys, the charity recorded 55,604 individual cetaceans across 35 species via the assistance of their 1,000 volunteers. Moreover, in 2020, ORCA, alongside three other like-minded non-profits, successfully persuaded the Convention of the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) to adopt their proposal to improve conservation efforts for harbor porpoises in the Baltic Sea and the Iberian Peninsula. 

You can donate directly to ORCA through their website. You can also support the charity by becoming an Ocean Watcher or becoming a member.

World Cetacean Alliance: A World Where Cetaceans Are Free

The World Cetacean Alliance was founded on World Ocean Day in 2013 by a group of passionate individuals, like-minded charities, and commercial whale-watching businesses to make a positive difference for whales and dolphins. Today, the charity is the largest global network of partners working to address the pressing issues facing cetaceans. 

According to their financial report, the World Cetacean Alliance spent 99.7% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 0.3% on raising funds. 

“To protect cetaceans and their habitats through global collaboration.”

World Cetacean Alliance

The World Cetacean Alliance collaborates with like-minded organizations to protect whales and dolphins from the most pressing threats through advocacy and education. For example, alongside World Animal Protection, they developed the Wildlife Heritage Areas Initiative to safeguard vital habitats, particularly from unsustainable tourism practices. Furthermore, their WCA Approved program verifies responsible whale and dolphin-watching tour operators so the public can make informed choices. And, they are calling for remote electronic monitoring (REM) to be introduced to all fishing vessels across the UK to improve transparency and reduce the number of dolphins caught in trawler nets. 

Today, the World Cetacean Alliance works to protect whales and dolphins through their network of more than 100 partners across 35 countries. For example, to date, they have approved 9 businesses through their WCA Approved program, with an additional 31 companies in transition. And, they have published their WCA Global Best Practice Guidance for Responsible Whale and Dolphin Watching representing best international practice. 

You can donate directly to the World Cetacean Alliance through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online shop or becoming a WCA ally. 

Dolphin Research Australia: Knowledge, Awareness, Action

Dolphin Research Australia was founded in 2012 by a group of passionate scientists, educators, conservationists, and business people to improve the health, sustainability, and protection of marine life. Today, the charity improves our understanding of cetaceans and marine ecosystems through research, education, and conservation action. 

According to their financial report, Dolphin Research Australia spent 75% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 6% on education and fundraising. 

“Dedicated to improving the knowledge, conservation, and protection of marine life and their ocean homes.”

Dolphin Research Australia

Dolphin Research Australia aids in the protection of dolphins and other cetaceans through field studies, public education, and advocacy. For example, through their Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Project, they are engaging in the long-term study of the Australian humpback dolphin and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin to examine the use of habitats and identify critical areas in need of conservation. They also offer a cetacean training course for whale and dolphin tourism guides and regularly assist with marine mammal strandings and rescues. 

Since their founding, Dolphin Research Australia has logged over 4,600 hours of cetacean observations by citizen scientists, which has led to the identification of 2,513 individual dolphins. The charity has also educated 3,050 people through their formal education programs, published 24 scientific publications, and assisted 46 injured, ill, or deceased dolphins and whales across Queensland and New South Wales. In addition, they have conducted numerous marine debris surveys and collected over 5,000 pieces of trash from local beaches. 

You can donate directly to Dolphin Research Australia through their website. You can also support the charity by joining a dolphin expedition or becoming a Dolphin Watch citizen scientist.

Taras Oceanographic Foundation: Investing in Science for a Sustainable Future

The Taras Oceanographic Foundation was founded in 1998 by researchers Dr. Stefan Harsen and Dr. Barbara Brunnick to learn more about dolphins so we can better preserve our ocean habitats. Today, the charity empowers citizens to advocate for the conservation of dolphins and the marine environment.

The Taras Oceanographic Foundation holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To advance marine science and assure the long-term survival of both people and our oceans through conservation research, education, and cultural programs.”

Taras Oceanographic Foundation

The Taras Oceanographic Foundation promotes the importance of dolphin populations, marine habitats, and global environmental sustainability through scientific studies on dolphins and education. For example, they offer dolphin watch tours for members of the public along Palm Beach and Martin counties to engage the public in citizen science and encourage the next generation of conservationists. The charity’s scientists also gather information on the lives and behaviors of wild dolphins via drones, boat surveys, GIS mapping, and photo identification to develop more efficient conservation strategies. 

Since their founding, the Taras Oceanographic Foundation has successfully identified over 600 dolphins through more than 40,000 volunteer hours. They have also engaged 350,000 members of the public in dolphin conservation and education through their tours, events, and programs. 

You can donate directly to the Taras Oceanographic Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online shop or buying items from their wish list. 

The Marine Mammal Center: Rescuing and Rehabilitating Vulnerable Marine Animals

The Marine Mammal Center was founded in 1975 by Pat Arrigoni, Lloyd Smalley, and Paul Maxwell, to provide sanctuary for injured, ill, or abandoned marine animals. Today, the charity is the largest marine mammal hospital in the world working to protect all vulnerable marine life, including dolphins and porpoises.

The Marine Mammal Center holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Advancing global ocean conservation through research and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.”

The Marine Mammal Center

The Marine Mammal Center runs a 24-hour call center to rescue marine animals in distress, including dolphins. The animals are then given comprehensive veterinary care at the center until they are ready to be released back into the wild. In addition, the charity conducts research into new innovative medical techniques to manage and cure a range of marine animal illnesses. Furthermore, through their Cetacean Field Research Program, the charity is conducting scientific studies to better protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the Greater Farallones. And, they campaign for businesses and individuals to reduce ocean trash, as well as harmful fishing gear from vital cetacean habitats. 

Since their founding, the Marine Mammal Center has rescued over 24,000 marine mammals across 600 miles of California coastline and Hawaii, including dolphins. For example, they rescued Baker D, a juvenile bottlenose dolphin, who was underweight, suffering from dehydration, had a puncture wound on his snout, and was completely unable to swim. After intense rehabilitation at the Marine Mammal Center, he was released into Monterey Bay where he lives with a wild pod. Their scientists have also undertaken a study into freshwater skin disease, which has been identified as an emerging threat to wild dolphins. 

You can donate directly to the Marine Mammal Center through their website. You can also support the charity by attending an awareness event or by volunteering.

Sea Watch Foundation: Conserving Cetaceans in UK Waters

The Sea Watch Foundation was founded in 1991 by Dr. Peter Evans and Paul Vodden to better protect cetaceans along UK coastlines through research and advocacy. Today, the charity runs dolphin monitoring programs to improve conservation efforts for dolphins and other marine mammals. 

According to their financial report, the Sea Watch Foundation spent 81.6% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 18.4% on raising funds.

“Working to improve the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in British and Irish waters.”

Sea Watch Foundation

The Sea Watch Foundation monitors the numbers and locations of whales and dolphins across the UK to gain knowledge of the health of the surrounding marine environment, including the effects of climate change, overfishing, and noise pollution. These sightings are then used to identify critical habitat and establish protected areas. The charity also runs school visits, lectures, and workshops to educate people on cetacean biology, ecology, and the conservation issues they face. 

Since their founding, the Sea Watch Foundation has continued to fight for the rights of wild cetaceans, including dolphins, across the UK. For example, a status review conducted by the charity resulted in the bottlenose dolphin and the harbor porpoise being provided with special status under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Their research efforts also led to the establishment of two areas in Cardigan Bay as Special Areas of Conservation for bottlenose dolphins. And, they contributed to the production of the only Distribution Atlas for Cetaceans in Northwest Europe. 

You can contribute directly to the work of the Sea Watch Foundation by signing up to become a member. You can also support the charity by symbolically adopting a dolphin or fundraising.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for protecting dolphins. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. Charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to protecting dolphins—based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

Sources

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