Defenders' Experts
International Marine Conservation
Defenders’ International office has a long history of advocacy on behalf of threatened marine species. This advocacy has focused on conserving dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles.
Dolphins
Defenders has worked hard to protect dolphins from the adverse effects of commercial tuna fishing operations in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. Defenders was instrumental in the adoption of the dolphin-safe label on tuna cans. In 2006, Defenders International released our ground-breaking report on canned tuna purchased from across the country, entitled: "Is Our Tuna Family-Safe? Mercury in America's Favorite Fish."
Sea Turtles
Through education, outreach, legal reform, and direct support of on-the-ground conservation programs, Defenders Mexico Program is working to enhance the conservation of six of the world's seven species of sea turtles.
Sharks
Defenders has sought to stop the extremely wasteful and inhumane practice of shark finning, where sharks are harvested to cut off their fins, and often are discarded while still alive. Defenders also works to protect threatened shark species at CITES. We sought CITES protection for several additional shark species, including the porbeagle and spiny dogfish, at the 2007 Conference of the Parties.
