ANIMAL WELFARE AND SPECIES PROTECTION OceanCare protects marine life

abundance decrease of oceanic sharks and rays since 1970
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A significant turnaround in the management of these animals is needed.

common dolphins are only left in the Greek Gulf of Corinth
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Fishing, noise and marine pollution complicate efforts to preserve these dolphins.

of assessed cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea are threatened
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They are listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Protect marine life with your donation.

Your donation will help to ensure that threatened marine animals are protected and that their habitats are conserved.

PARTICULARLY ENDANGERED MARINE ANIMALS

Whales

Many whale species and populations have been hunted mercilessly and almost to the point of extinction. Although there is a global moratorium on commercial whaling, the danger has not yet been averted. Underwater noise, climate change, plastic pollution, ship collisions and other factors continue to threaten whale species and populations.

Dolphins

Did you know that dolphins can recognise themselves in the mirror? These intelligent marine mammals are curious and prefer to live in groups. Many dolphins die as bycatch in fishing nets. Numerous species, populations and sub-populations of dolphins and porpoises are threatened.

Seals

Many seal species – which also include elephant seals and sea lions – have been mercilessly hunted on account of their soft fur, and some species have even been wiped out. OceanCare is particularly committed to protecting Mediterranean monk seals.

Sea turtles

They have survived for millions of years and are considered to be the «dinosaurs» of the ocean. Now humans are endangering their survival. Six out of seven sea turtle species are currently threatened. They are hunted for food, die as bycatch in fishing nets or get entangled in plastic debris which they also sometimes eat.

Manatees

Did you know? The manatees’ closest relatives are elephants. They share not only their preference for eating large quantities of vegetation, but also their long life expectancy. Depending on the species, manatees live between 40 and 60 years.

Fish

The human appetite for fish is unrestrained: whether for human consumption or as fishmeal for factory farming. Industrial fishing, but also fish farming, has led to up to 38% of all fish stocks being overfished and 51% being exploited to the maximum.

Threats to marine animals

Fishing activities, plastic pollution, underwater noise, climate change and chemical pollution – are among the wide range of threats now adversely affecting many marine species.   

Collisions: Dolphins around cargo ship

Animal rescue operations

In addition to advocacy work, research, education and public relations, we also contribute to the protection of marine animals by supporting animal rescue operations. Because each and every individual counts.

sea turtle rescue