Ethics - what WDC is about

WDC is well known around the world for its strong position on conservation issues and for its dedication to protecting whale and dolphin species and populations in all the places and spaces that they call home.

In May 2011, WDC became the first NGO to sign the "Declaration of Rights for Cetaceans: Whales and Dolphins, a historic manifesto for these animals which seeks, amongst other things, to make law their right to a life without captivity and to protect the places that they live.

All WDC work is built on a strong commitment to high ethical standards and we require the same commitment from the researchers that we fund. In addition to demanding best research practice from our researchers, WDC also works toward improving the welfare of all cetaceans and fostering their protection; as individuals, communities and populations, as well as species.

As guardians of the interests of these unique beings we work towards the long-term protection of their natural environments, towards ensuring they have the freedom to express their natural behaviours and, ultimately, to broadening the mantle of legal protection to ensure that cetaceans are recognised, and protected, as individuals.

Our new book, "Whales and Dolphins: cognition, culture, conservation and human perceptions" brings together a wide range of experts to look again at our current knowledge of these amazing creatures. Available from the Amazon.