World Whale + Dolphin Day - 23rd July every year

World Whale and Dolphin Day is celebrated globally every year on July 23. Established in 1986 by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), it honours marine mammals, commemorates the historic ban on commercial whaling, and raises awareness about ongoing threats like plastic pollution, noise pollution, and captivity. 

History and Significance

• Origin: The date marks the historic vote by the IWC on July 23, 1982, which implemented a global ban on commercial whaling.

• Ecological Impact: Whales and dolphins play a critical role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. Scientists consider them vital allies in fighting climate change because their biological processes support phytoplankton growth, which naturally pulls \(CO_{2}\) from the atmosphere.

  
  

Key Threats Today

Even with the commercial whaling ban in place, marine mammals face multiple hazards: 

• Habitat loss and degradation from human activity.

• Ocean pollution, including microplastics and toxic runoff.

• Noise pollution from shipping lanes and underwater exploration, which disrupts their communication and navigation.

• Bycatch—accidental entanglement in commercial fishing gear.

• Captivity in marine parks and dolphinariums.

  
  

How the Day is Observed

People around the world mark the day by participating in beach clean-ups, attending educational workshops, or donating to and volunteering for marine conservation organizations. 

For more details on the history of the event and the species it protects, you can read more on the World Whale and Dolphin Day and World Whale and Dolphin Day - Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve websites

If you would like to help #StopTheGrindNow,