National Dolphin Day
April 14
About National Dolphin Day
National Dolphin Day is observed on 14 April each year, raising awareness about the conservation and welfare of dolphins worldwide. Created by the Earth Island Institute in 1990, the day was originally established as part of a campaign to protect dolphins from harmful tuna fishing practices in the Pacific Ocean. Today, it serves as a broader celebration of these intelligent, social marine mammals and a call to action for ocean conservation.
What is National Dolphin Day?
National Dolphin Day is an annual observance dedicated to educating the public about dolphins, their behaviour, and the threats they face. Dolphins are cetacean mammals related to whales and porpoises, known for their intelligence, playful nature, and complex social structures. The day encourages people to learn about the nearly 40 species of dolphins found in oceans and rivers around the world and to support efforts to protect their habitats. Organisations including the Earth Island Institute, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, and the Marine Mammal Center use the day to promote their conservation programmes.
When is National Dolphin Day?
National Dolphin Day falls on 14 April every year. In 2026, that is a Tuesday. The date is fixed and does not change from year to year.
Why National Dolphin Day Matters
Dolphins face numerous threats in the modern world. Bycatch, where dolphins are accidentally caught in fishing nets intended for other species, remains one of the most significant dangers. The International Whaling Commission estimates that hundreds of thousands of cetaceans, including dolphins, die as bycatch each year worldwide. Pollution, particularly plastic waste and chemical contaminants, poses a growing threat to dolphin populations. Climate change is altering ocean temperatures and disrupting the ecosystems dolphins depend on for food.
Beyond their ecological importance, dolphins play a vital role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. As predators, they help regulate fish populations and contribute to nutrient cycling in marine environments. Their intelligence and social complexity also make them subjects of significant scientific research, contributing to our understanding of communication, cognition, and social behaviour in the animal kingdom. National Dolphin Day reminds us that protecting dolphins means protecting the health of our oceans as a whole.
How to Get Involved in National Dolphin Day
There are many ways to celebrate and support dolphins on 14 April and beyond:
- Visit an aquarium or marine centre – Many aquariums and marine wildlife centres host special events and educational programmes on National Dolphin Day. Check your local facilities for activities and talks.
- Support a marine conservation charity – Donate to organisations like the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), the Dolphin Research Center, or the Earth Island Institute, which work to protect dolphins and their habitats.
- Choose dolphin-safe products – Look for the “dolphin-safe” label when buying tinned tuna. This certification ensures that the tuna was caught using methods that minimise harm to dolphins.
- Reduce plastic use – Plastic pollution is a major threat to marine life, including dolphins. Cut down on single-use plastics, recycle properly, and participate in beach clean-ups.
- Watch a documentary – Films like “The Cove” (2009) and “Blackfish” (2013) shed light on the challenges facing dolphins and other marine mammals. Use the day to educate yourself and others.
- Go whale and dolphin watching – If you live near the coast, book a responsible, ethical dolphin-watching tour. Choose operators that follow guidelines for minimising disturbance to wildlife.
- Spread awareness on social media – Share facts, photos, and conservation messages using the hashtags below to reach a wider audience.
History of National Dolphin Day
National Dolphin Day was created by the Earth Island Institute, an environmental non-profit organisation based in Berkeley, California. The day was first observed on 14 April 1990 as part of a larger campaign to address the devastating impact of tuna fishing on dolphin populations. In the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, yellowfin tuna often swim beneath schools of dolphins. Fishing fleets exploited this association by using purse seine nets to encircle dolphin pods, trapping and killing millions of dolphins as bycatch during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
The Earth Island Institute, led by David Phillips, launched a major consumer boycott campaign targeting tuna companies that did not adopt dolphin-safe fishing practices. The campaign succeeded in pressuring major brands to commit to dolphin-safe policies. In 1990, the same year National Dolphin Day was established, the US Congress passed the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act, which created the legal framework for the “dolphin-safe” label on tinned tuna.
Since its founding, National Dolphin Day has expanded beyond the tuna issue to encompass a broad range of dolphin conservation concerns, including habitat destruction, pollution, captivity, and climate change. It is now observed internationally, with aquariums, marine research centres, and conservation groups worldwide using the day to promote education and fundraising efforts.
Noteworthy Facts About Dolphins
- There are nearly 40 species of dolphins, ranging in size from the 1.2-metre Maui’s dolphin to the 9-metre orca (killer whale), which is technically the largest member of the dolphin family.
- Dolphins use echolocation to navigate and find food, emitting clicks that bounce off objects and return as echoes, allowing them to “see” with sound.
- Bottlenose dolphins can swim at speeds of up to 35 kilometres per hour and can hold their breath for up to 12 minutes.
- Dolphins sleep with one eye open, shutting down one half of their brain at a time so they can continue to surface for air.
- Dolphins have been observed using tools, such as placing sponges over their snouts to protect themselves while foraging on the ocean floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Dolphin Day?
National Dolphin Day, observed on 14 April, is an annual awareness day created by the Earth Island Institute to raise awareness about dolphin conservation and educate the public about these intelligent marine mammals.
When is National Dolphin Day in 2026?
National Dolphin Day falls on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
How can I help protect dolphins?
You can help by choosing dolphin-safe tuna products, reducing plastic waste, supporting marine conservation organisations, and spreading awareness about the threats dolphins face in the wild.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness about dolphin conservation by sharing National Dolphin Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #NationalDolphinDay and #NationalDolphinDay2026 on social media. You can also use #DolphinDay and #ProtectDolphins to join the wider conversation. If you enjoy celebrating marine life, you might also appreciate World Aquatic Animal Day on 3 April.
Related Awareness Days
- World Aquatic Animal Day – Observed on 3 April, this day highlights the welfare and conservation of all aquatic animals.
- World Oceans Day – Celebrated on 8 June, this day raises awareness about the vital role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth.
- World Whale Day – Held in February, this day celebrates whales, the closest relatives of dolphins, and promotes their conservation.
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