Wild Animals

Wild Spotted Dolphin Welfare and Tuna Fishing

Spotted dolphins have historically been killed in enormous numbers by tuna fishing operations in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, with 'dolphin-safe' labels transforming industry practice.

Key Facts

Before the 1990s, over 7 million dolphins were killed by tuna fishing in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Purse seine sets on dolphin schools were used to locate yellowfin tuna
The Marine Mammal Protection Act and consumer boycotts drove the dolphin-safe standard
Current dolphin mortality from certified dolphin-safe fishing has fallen by over 99%
However, critics note dolphin-safe methods may harm other species like juvenile tuna and sharks

Welfare Considerations

The dramatic reduction in dolphin mortality through the dolphin-safe campaign is one of the great wildlife welfare achievements of the consumer movement. However, trade-offs exist - methods that avoid dolphins may kill more juvenile tuna and create higher bycatch of other species. This illustrates the complexity of welfare-driven seafood choices in a multi-species ecosystem context.

What You Can Do

Choose canned tuna with credible dolphin-safe certification backed by independent observers
Support marine protected areas in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Advocate for comprehensive bycatch reporting beyond dolphin mortality
Reduce tuna consumption to minimize all associated wildlife bycatch