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Fin whale

Short and cruel hunt season ends in Iceland

The shortened Icelandic fin whale hunts season has finished with a final total of 23...
Bottlenose dolphins breaching

Landmark report reveals UK wildlife’s devastating decline

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Dolphins with oil rig

Go ahead for new UK oil and gas exploration threatens whales and dolphins

Permission has been granted for the development of the UK's biggest untapped oilfield off Shetland,...
Icelandic hunting vessels in port

Whaling boat kept in port after more hunt cruelty exposed

Icelandic whale hunting fleet One of the whaling boats involved in the latest hunts in...

A victory for WDC. A victory for whales and dolphins

Georgia Aquarium has decided not to appeal a recent court decision that refused permission for the facility to bring wild-caught beluga whales from Russia to the United States.

The Aquarium had been trying to import 18 whales captured in Sea of Okhotsk, Russia, but the court initially denied a permit to do so on the grounds that the Aquarium had not met conditions required to approve its controversial plan.

WDC was one of several official intervening parties present at the court hearings back in August, and assisted with briefings supporting the case to deny the Georgia Aquarium’s application.

Courtney Vail, WDC anti-captivity campaigner said; “We are grateful this matter, which was originally decided appropriately and then was subject to a strong and well-founded court ruling, has been put to rest.”

The result is a major blow to the captivity industry in the US and offers hope to the beluga whales in the Sea of Okhotsk, as live capture for public display is one of the most serious threats facing this population.

About George Berry

George is a member of WDC's Communications team and website coordinator.