Marine Animals

Wild Spotted Dolphin Tuna Bycatch

Spotted dolphins were historically killed in massive numbers as bycatch in tuna purse seine fisheries, with welfare and population impacts.

Key Facts

Over 7 million dolphins were killed in eastern Pacific tuna fisheries between 1960-1990
Dolphin-safe tuna standards were introduced in 1990 following consumer pressure
Some dolphin-safe certifications have been criticized for not protecting all species
Encirclement by purse seines causes stress even when dolphins are released unharmed

Welfare Considerations

Tuna seine encirclement causes acute stress responses in dolphins even when released unharmed. Pre-1990 dolphin kill rates represented one of the largest documented cetacean welfare crises. Dolphin-safe standards have dramatically reduced but not eliminated dolphin interactions with tuna fisheries.

What You Can Do

Choose tuna products with credible dolphin-safe certification
Research what different tuna certifications actually require
Support stronger international dolphin bycatch standards
Reduce tuna consumption generally to lower fishery pressure