What Is 2007: Year of the Dolphins

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The Year of the Dolphin was a 2007 global campaign led by the United Nations and partners to raise awareness about dolphin conservation, running from 2007 to 2008 with over 100 participating organizations and events in more than 40 countries.

Key Facts

The Year of the Dolphin campaign was officially launched in 2007 by the UN and CMS.
It was a joint initiative between the UNEP, UNESCO, and WDCS.
More than 100 organizations joined the campaign across over 40 countries.
The campaign aimed to reduce dolphin mortality by 30% through conservation efforts.
Educational programs reached over 2 million people globally during the campaign.

Overview

The United Nations declared 2007 the International Year of the Dolphin to spotlight marine conservation and the threats facing dolphin populations worldwide. This global initiative was spearheaded by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and supported by UNEP, UNESCO, and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS).

The campaign sought to improve public awareness, strengthen international cooperation, and promote legal protections for dolphins. Spanning from 2007 into 2008, it emphasized sustainable fishing practices, habitat preservation, and public engagement through education and outreach.

Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals, with over 90 species identified, many of which are threatened by human activity.
The campaign officially began in September 2007 at a launch event in Monaco, drawing global media attention.
Partners included governments, NGOs, and scientific institutions from over 40 countries, uniting under a shared conservation goal.
A key objective was reducing dolphin deaths caused by bycatch, which accounts for tens of thousands of fatalities annually.
The initiative also pushed for stronger enforcement of the International Whaling Commission regulations and regional marine protections.

How It Works

The Year of the Dolphin campaign operated through coordinated global efforts combining policy advocacy, public education, and on-the-ground conservation projects. Each partner contributed resources, expertise, and outreach to amplify the campaign’s reach and effectiveness.

Term: The campaign was formally known as the "Year of the Dolphin" and ran from 2007 to 2008. It was extended to allow for longer-term impact and broader participation.
UNEP provided scientific research and environmental data to support policy recommendations and public messaging across member states.
Public education programs were launched in schools and coastal communities, reaching over 2 million people through workshops and materials.
Marine protected areas were expanded in regions like the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia to reduce habitat destruction and ship collisions.
Bycatch reduction was a primary focus, promoting the use of dolphin-safe fishing gear in commercial fisheries worldwide.
Funding came from a mix of government grants, private donors, and partner organizations, totaling over $5 million in committed resources.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the Year of the Dolphin campaign with similar UN-led environmental years:

Campaign	Year	Lead Organizations	Participating Countries	Primary Goal
Year of the Dolphin	2007–2008	CMS, UNEP, WDCS	40+	Protect dolphins and reduce bycatch
Year of the Turtle	2006	UNEP, IUCN	30	Sea turtle conservation
International Year of Biodiversity	2010	UNEP, CBD	196	Global biodiversity protection
Year of Sustainable Energy	2012	UN, IRENA	50	Promote renewable energy access
Year of the Gorilla	2009	CMS, UNESCO	35	Protect great apes and habitats

The Year of the Dolphin stood out for its focus on marine mammals and its integration of science, policy, and public outreach. While other campaigns targeted broader biodiversity or energy issues, this initiative brought targeted attention to dolphin species and their ecosystems, fostering long-term partnerships beyond the campaign period.

Why It Matters

The Year of the Dolphin raised unprecedented awareness about marine conservation and established a model for future international environmental campaigns. Its legacy includes stronger legal frameworks, improved public understanding, and ongoing monitoring programs for dolphin populations.

Dolphin mortality in monitored fisheries dropped by an estimated 25% in the three years following the campaign.
Several countries adopted stricter bycatch regulations, including mandatory use of acoustic deterrents on fishing vessels.
The campaign inspired follow-up initiatives like the Year of the Whale and Year of the Gorilla.
Public engagement increased significantly, with over 1,000 events held globally to celebrate dolphin conservation.
Scientific collaboration improved, leading to the creation of a global dolphin habitat database by 2010.
UNESCO integrated dolphin conservation into its Man and the Biosphere program, ensuring long-term monitoring.

By uniting science, policy, and public action, the Year of the Dolphin demonstrated the power of coordinated global efforts in protecting vulnerable species. Its success continues to influence marine conservation strategies today.