Annual Review 2011-2012
Autumn 2012 | WHALE&DOLPHIN | 1
A Year Forward Welcome to our review of the year, and welcome to WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Firstly, I'd like to thank all of you who have supported us with your time and commitment throughout the year. I would especially like to acknowledge the ongoing dedication of all our long-term adopters, corporate partners, major donors, members and supporters whose loyalty to WDC and the issue of whale and dolphin conservation means that we are able to take continuing, effective action against the daily threats that they face. You will have noticed that we are entering the next, exciting period of our development with a new name, logo, and brand! This new image has been created for us by the Conran Group, who have made their own unique contribution to the protection of whales and dolphins by lending us their expertise, and an enormous amount of time, free of charge. We are also launching a new website that will present not only a wealth of information about whales and dolphins and the threats they face, but will also provide a platform for you to be even further involved with the fight against the continuing threats faced by these remarkable creatures.
Chris Butler-Stroud Chief executive WDC
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Why whales and dolphins need our help
We know that whales and dolphins are amazing, and we have the scientific evidence to back this up, showing just how clever they are. Some live in close social groups, passing on knowledge from one generation to the next, some play games just for fun, and we even know that some are smart enough to use tools. Bottlenose dolphins are self-aware – they can recognise themselves in the mirror, and some orcas help their sick pod mates. Now, that is amazing! But, sadly, they still face many threats and they need our help to protect them against hunting, captivity, horrific injury in fishing nets and gear, pollution, the dangers of increased boat traffic and many other things. Each individual is important to the whole group so, as individuals, don’t they have a right to a life free from cruel commercial slaughter and a right not to be placed in small pools for human entertainment? We think so, and with your help WDC will continue to fund research that helps us to understand even more about these mysterious creatures, to campaign around the world to end these terrible threats and to fight to have the freedom that whales and dolphins deserve recognised at an international level.
Contents
4 Whaling 6 Conservation 8 Welfare 10 Communities and volunteering 14 It’s all thanks to you 16 Brand new! 17 Finances 18 Our partners 20 Contact details
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Whaling The whale meat market is waning yet despite a ban Japan, Norway and Iceland still kill 2,000 whales each year, a practice we continue to fight at the highest levels Whaling is cruel, the demand for whale meat is falling and we can’t be certain that whale populations can survive large-scale hunting as well as the other daily threats they face. But, despite bans on commercial whaling and the trade in whale products, Japan, Norway and Iceland still kill 2,000 whales between them each year and also continue trade in whale products. It has to STOP. WDC is leading the fight to end whaling and works with governments internationally at the highest level – such as with the International Whaling Commission (IWC), the body that regulates whaling – to represent the whales and the views of our supporters.
Some businesses in the UK have stopped buying fish from a firm in Iceland linked to fin whaling
Global
Working with independent economists, WDC produced the first-ever comprehensive analysis of the economics of whaling in Japan and Norway, revealing that vast public subsidies are underwriting a financially unsustainable industry in both countries. helped maintain SUCCESS WDC the ban on international commercial whaling and trade in whale products, persuading governments and influential organisations that this important ban should remain in place. 4 WDC 2011-2012
UK/EU
With your help, we have been busy exposing the trade in fish caught by fishing company HB Grandi in Iceland, which has links to whaling. This fish is then exported to unsuspecting consumers in other countries, with the proceeds from sales helping to prop up a dying whaling industry in Iceland.
we exposed the SUCCESS After strong links between Iceland’s whaling industry and HB Grandi, WDC convinced all major UK supermarkets, as well as wholesalers and fish and chip shop owners, not to buy fish from Iceland’s biggest fish exporter.
Studies show Norway and Japan’s whaling industries are being propped up by subsidies
Following a WDC report, President Obama gave a warning to Iceland over its trade in fin whale products
‘Marks & Spencer will not purchase from any company actively involved in the capture or processing of marine mammals’
Lauren Orme, sustainable development manager at retail giant, Marks & Spencer (UK)
UNITED STATES
Led by WDC, a coalition of conservation and animal welfare groups successfully petitioned the US Government, setting out how Iceland’s whaling – and international trade in whaling products – is in contravention of the international ban on commercial whaling. Hundreds of people from around the world added their names to this protest – if you were one of them, thank you! A new report from WDC, released at the meeting of the IWC in Jersey in 2011, exposed how Iceland is defying international treaties to hunt endangered fin whales in a bid to create a new consumer market in Japan. Jointly produced by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and WDC, the report Renegade Whaling: Iceland’s Creation of an Endangered Species Trade identifies wealthy Icelandic businessman, Kristján Loftsson, and his firm Hvalur hf as the driving force behind the bloody trade. Loftsson is also a board member at fishing company, HB Grandi. The relationship between these two companies could not be cosier: Hvalur uses HB Grandi facilities to process fin whale products and the two companies share information on the location of fish. More than half of HB Grandi fish exports go directly to the UK and the rest of Europe. the IWC SUCCESS Following meeting, President Obama confirmed the US Government’s desire to see an end to Iceland’s fin whaling by issuing a strongly worded statement warning that it will not hesitate in implementing a range of measures against Iceland if the cruel trade does not stop for good. 2011-2012 WDC 5
The habitat of spinner dolphins affected by boat activity at Moon Reef in Fiji is now a protected area
Conservation Our vital research and lobbying work is helping to create safe havens for vulnerable whale and dolphin populations that face threats from human activities within the world’s oceans and rivers Whale and dolphin populations are under threat and need places where they are safe and protected. Marine protected areas – safe havens that help to preserve the habitats of vulnerable and endangered populations – need to be created now. Why? To protect whales and dolphins from dangers such as pollution, fishing
nets and hunting, and to protect the places they call home, before more of these amazing creatures disappear forever. If we don’t take action now, the health of our seas will decline to a point of no return. WDC is helping to create some of the most important protected areas the world has seen, and we need your support.
Scotland, Moray Firth
The dolphins of the Moray Firth are a much loved part of Scotland’s natural heritage. But they are also incredibly vulnerable. Our Protect Our Dolphins campaign aims to ensure these individuals have a future by helping to provide legal protection – to regulate industries that threaten their environment, and change the way we behave around them. helped reduce SUCCESS WDC seismic surveying in the Moray Firth from five companies intensively surveying for two months to two companies surveying for less than two weeks.
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Marine debris
A study by WDC revealed a number of stranded whales and dolphins found with plastic packed inside their stomachs or blocking their guts. Many more may have died at sea, never to be documented. we pressed SUCCESS Inthe2011, International Whaling Commission (IWC) to take on this important issue, and to examine the impact on whales and dolphins of the estimated six million tonnes of marine litter that enters the oceans every year.
UNITED STATES
The North Atlantic right whale is critically endangered. There are fewer than 500 left and they face daily dangers from shipping and entanglement in fishing gear. WDC is fighting this threat. won a significant SUCCESS WDC lawsuit victory in the US meaning the Government has to reconsider the protection it gives to the fewer than 500 right whales that still live off the east coast of America. The area of protection created for these whales will now be increased and precautions will have to be taken when threatening activities, such as oil drilling and increases in commercial shipping routes, are being planned in the future.
Fiji, Moon Reef
Since 2008, WDC has studied the spinner dolphins at Moon Reef and worked with local people and tourism companies to make sure all the whales and dolphins there are properly protected. Acoustic studies had shown that boat activity was disturbing the dolphins that come to rest in these pristine waters during the day. survey and acoustic SUCCESS Our research efforts provided vital information about why this area is so critical to these unique dolphins and helped bring about the designation of a marine protected area to provide them with a safe haven.
South America
River dolphins present special challenges for conservationists because they live inland. They face pressures from dams, pollution, boat traffic and fishing. WDC’s support network is therefore vital to securing a future for these special creatures.
the area of protection for these whales will now be increased and precautions taken when threatening activities are being planned
spearheaded the SUCCESS WDC South American River Dolphin Protected Area Network, currently nine existing and three proposed protected areas in six countries in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. We will develop plans to protect these vulnerable animals across national borders. 2011-2012 WDC 7
Whale and Dolphin Welfare Every year thousands of whales and dolphins face threats posed by the fishing industry and strandings, and many remain in captivity. We are helping to secure a better future through direct action, rescue and fighting for their legal protection
Strandings and rescue, UK
Every year, thousands of whales, dolphins and porpoises get into trouble on coastlines around the world. Unless those individuals who do wash up alive, or become trapped in shallow water, are reached quickly, they will become distressed and may die. WDC is here to give them that help and we continue to support rescue efforts across the globe, as well as investigate and campaign against some of the man-made causes behind these incidents. 2011 saw the UK’s SUCCESS June biggest mass whale stranding. With medics from British Divers Marine Life Rescue and members of the public, WDC was available to offer scientific and behavioural advice, and was on-site to help with the operation that saved the lives of 44 pilot whales off the coast of Scotland. 8 WDC 2011-2012
Rescuers must act fast to avoid distress or even death among whales that become stranded
Fishing, United States
More than 300,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises die every year as a result of being caught in fishing gear and nets. It is the single biggest killer of whales, dolphins and porpoises in all the oceans across the globe. with conservation SUCCESS WDC, and animal protection
Anti-captivity, Germany
Almost 300 whales and dolphins are still held in tanks and forced to perform tricks for food in 15 of the 27 Member States of the European Union. Putting whales and dolphins in tanks for our ‘entertainment’ is wrong. The capture process is brutal, it is impossible for them to cover the 100-mile distances that they can travel in a day in the wild and they live shorter lives in captivity. No register is available for captive marine mammals in the European Union. There is no public record of how many dolphins are displayed, reproduction rates, medical treatment or the health of the whales and dolphins held. concerns SUCCESS Following about the deaths of six dolphins held in Nuremberg Zoo, WDC sued the zoo in the German courts and won the case for the information on the dolphins and their welfare to be made public. This ruling is the first of its kind and could have far-reaching effects for dolphins in zoos and dolphin parks throughout the EU.
groups, filed a lawsuit asking a federal court in Massachusetts to hold the National Marine Fisheries Service (the US Government body that helps oversee the US marine environment) accountable for allowing four federal fisheries to injure and kill endangered whales. Whales become entangled in fishing gear, making it harder for them to swim, feed and reproduce and it can cause chronic infection or drowning.
Almost 300 whales and dolphins are still held in tanks in the european union – forced to perform tricks for food
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Communities and volunteering Our work to create a secure future for whales and dolphins would not be possible without the huge efforts of our volunteers and staff who take our messages and campaigns to children and adults around the world WDC volunteers in our offices, out in the field and on hand at events give their valuable time to help change the way people view whales and dolphins and the places they call home. Our grass roots education initiatives also take our messages to children and adults around the world – from the Caribbean to Colombia, and from Australia to Scotland.
Our volunteers and staff help WDC to connect directly with local groups and communities all around the globe, bringing the world of whales and dolphins alive for people, through a variety of exhibitions, events and interpretation centres. This also enables us to highlight the threats to vulnerable populations.
DolphinWatch, Australia
DolphinWatch is a school-run programme that identifies, catalogues, monitors and researches dolphin populations in their natural environment. Currently running in five different locations in South Australia, these projects not only significantly increase the knowledge of dolphin pods in their respective waters, but also inspire and educate students in various aspects of marine conservation. WDC has been successful in gaining funding to expand the DolphinWatch scheme to the east coast of Australia. The Townsville project will focus on a number of species, in particular the 10 WDC 2011-2012
WDC events in Nicaragua help bring the world of whales and dolphins to life snubfin dolphin. It is the only dolphin unique to Australia, but its numbers are considered low and it is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Threats to the snubfin come from boat strikes, gillnets and coastal development. Hopefully, the work by these students will help alleviate these impacts.
these projects inspire students while communities take ownership of their marine environment
Whale watching workshop, Nicaragua
WDC organised a workshop in Nicaragua to train local fishermen in setting up and running whale-watching activities. Villagers were very glad to discover a boost to their local economy thanks to the presence of whales and dolphins, and the responsible organisation of such activities. All in all, the training has helped to create a foundation for local socio-economic development, and encouraged stronger conservation strategies among the communities to protect whales and dolphins that inhabit local waters. 2011-2012 WDC 11
Dolphin SMART and Whale SENSE, UNITED STATES
Dolphin SMART is a collaboration between WDC and other groups to promote responsible wild dolphin watching in the Florida Keys in the US. Launched in 2007, the initiative recognises and awards tour operators who act responsibly and educate customers about dolphin conservation. Dolphin SMART has expanded in the past year to several other areas, such as Tampa Bay, and has now reached Hawaii. Whale SENSE is a voluntary education programme created by WDC (in conjunction with other partners) to certify whale and dolphin watching companies that offer more than just an enjoyable experience to their customers, and increase the standards of the watching industry. Certified operators then act as ‘citizen scientists’, helping with our research and efforts to save whales off their coastline. Joining forces with others has enabled WDC to promote whale watching with added value
More than 500 primary school pupils visited the Scottish Dolphin Centre over the past year
Education, UNITEd STATES
WDC continues its educational outreach in the US, reaching more than 2,500 children through school presentations as well as initiatives at the Arizona SEA LIFE Aquarium in celebration of World Oceans Day and the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s Right Whale Day.
Intern programme, UNITEd STATES
Interns are an integral part of the operation and success of our North American office. Fuelled by passion and a desire to make a difference, nine full-time and seven part-time interns (representing seven different countries) became part of the WDC ‘family’ over the past year. Through data obtained and reviewed by interns, we have been able to enhance the protection of endangered North Atlantic right,
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humpback and sei whales by legally challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s biological opinion of four different fisheries, and contributing sightings to a recovery plan for sei whales. Our interns have also reached out to more than 130,000 whale-watching passengers, who have supported campaigns to end whaling and captivity. As a result of our interns’ work, WDC has successfully petitioned the US Government to challenge Icelandic whaling, developed groundbreaking programmes to reduce the harassment and increase the educational value of commercial whale and dolphin watching, and much more.
our interns have reached out to more than 130,000 whale-watching passengers, who have supported campaigns to end whaling and captivity
Education, UK
WDC’s education programme visited more than 70 primary schools across north-east Scotland and around 500 children enjoyed a school trip to the Scottish Dolphin Centre in 2010-2011. We also began working in secondary schools in Scotland for the first time, which involved a lively debate on dolphin captivity. In May 2011, WDC launched SPLASH!, our new and improved adoption magazine for younger supporters. Dedicated volunteer speakers gave talks to 2,000 people around the country, with hundreds receiving a WDC whale or dolphin diploma award – now accepted as accredited teaching The world of whales and c wi omp Grea dolphins for you to discov modules by the th et t er top itio pri ns zes City of Birmingham ! Children’s University. INSIDE All the latest news The WDC on the whales and Puzzles! dolphins you adopt ‘Kidzone’ website was also launched Make an origami Jokes! whale, record breakers, Splish & Splash and to keep younger lots, lots more! supporters News! up-to-date with all things whale and Cool pullSwim for out poster whales for your and dolphin-related. wall! dolphins
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Shorewatch, Scotland
The WDC Shorewatch programme relies on community volunteers to monitor the presence of whales, dolphins and porpoises around Scotland. Volunteers receive training and equipment and carry out regular 10-minute watches at specific sites to help us learn more about how these amazing creatures use the Scottish coastline. Information gathered helps in the future protection of these animals. In 2010-2011, Shorewatch focused on volunteer recruitment and retention. Twenty training sessions were organised, together with community networking evenings. From May to September 2011 (high season), 2,473 watches, or 412 hours of watching, were conducted and 586 sightings made, including of bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke, pilot and orca whales.
Volunteers take part in WDC’s Shorewatch programme along the Scottish coast
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It’s all thanks to you ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has’ – Margaret Mead, American anthropologist Tens of thousands of you, on every continent, have enabled us to achieve the victories on the pages of this Review. You have protected whales and dolphins by giving your money and your time, and we are incredibly grateful to every one of you. There are whales and dolphins in every ocean of the world who are alive and free because of you. From adopting a whale or a dolphin and making donations, to signing our petitions and sending protests to governments, you have all helped to give these remarkable creatures a safer future. Here, we celebrate some of our many supporters who have gone the extra mile. On 5 July 2011, Chris Sheppard and Adam Walker, two amazing WDC supporters from the UK, swam into the record books to help our fight to stop commercial whaling. They swam the Straits of Gibraltar, breaking three world records and raising vital funds for our campaign. 14 WDC 2011-2012
In July 2011, in partnership with SEA LIFE, hundreds of WDC supporters in the UK showed their support for our Stop Whaling campaign by dressing in red, getting sponsored and taking part in our Walk for Whales. During our annual Save the Whale Week, WDC supporters scaled new heights in our Abseil for the Whale and raised over £10,000 to help stop whaling. Zeina Saad and Howard Foster run South Pacific Projects in Fiji and worked in partnership with WDC to create the safe haven for dolphins at Moon Reef. They certainly went the extra mile – or 3,000 miles to be precise – when they cycled from London to Marrakesh to raise vital funds for this project.
In September, WDC’s Team with a Porpoise and Whale of a Team entered the UK’s Dragon Boat Race. Both teams braved the rain along with WDC Patron and BBC TV presenter, Miranda Krestovnikoff, to raise awareness of the issue of marine litter and to raise funds for our campaign to clean up our seas. And in April 2011, WDC Patron and BBC TV presenter, Monty Halls, donned a dolphin costume and ran the world-famous London Marathon. Monty completed the race in just over four hours and raised funds for our Protect Our Dolphins campaign. There are too many to name here but your support is truly appreciated and we thank you. 2011-2012 WDC 15
A WORLD WHERE EVERY WHALE AND DOLPHIN IS SAFE AND FREE
Brand new! WDC celebrates 25th birthday with makeover As you will have noticed by now, WDCS has changed. The charity, which is 25 years old this year, has become WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, updating its logo and creating a new, strong design theme to help get its message across wherever it matters most for whales and dolphins. Working with renowned brand specialists, Conran Design Group, WDC undertook a brand 16 WDC 2011-2012
overhaul which includes a new logo symbolising the active, engaging, and campaigning organisation that WDC is. With over 70,000 supporters worldwide, WDC is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins, but is now looking to raise its profile and reach even more people in order to save more whales and dolphins from the daily threats they face around the world. In 2012 we turned 25. The world has changed in 25 years, as has the organisation. To face today’s challenges, we need a brand that reflects who we are and which speaks to audiences globally. We are still the same organisation, still protecting whales and dolphins, but our updated brand is going to help us achieve our vision – a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free. We wouldn’t have the high quality end product that we have without the support of creative agency Cake, consultant Lisa Drewe and Conran Design Group. They are all
passionate about our cause and offered their services for free so we could continue putting all our funds into helping whales and dolphins. The end result is a shorter, more memorable name, and it will run through everything we do. We have chosen a new grey-blue corporate colour for the organisation – the colour of a dolphin’s skin. The logo has been crafted to create a simple, powerful fluke-like symbol that tells a story. WDC is passionate about whales and dolphins and wanted to share that passion with a bigger audience. WDC has integrity and courage. We want that to shine through more and the new brand helps us achieve that aim. We are not afraid to take on big business, governments or industries whose actions harm whales and dolphins, but our work is backed by robust research, science and philosophy. We are the authority on whales and dolphins and the threats they face but WDC can’t work alone. Our supporters are at the heart of what we do.
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL RESULTS
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL RESULTS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2011 In the year ended 30 September 2011, a total of £3,719k was raised by WDCS internationally, through adoption programmes, membership, legacies, trusts, grants and merchandising. A small proportion of income (£65k) was retained in reserves but the majority of funds raised were spent during the year. The chart below shows, for the whole organisation and for our subsidiaries in the US and Germany, the split between spend on meeting charitable objectives, fundraising and trading, management and administration costs. The total amount spent internationally was £3,654k of which £743k was spent by WDCS Germany and £264k by WDCS North America.
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER, 2011
In the year ended 30 September, 2011, a total of £3,719,000 was raised by WDC internationally through adoption programmes, membership, legacies, trusts, grants and merchandising. A small proportion of income (£65,000) was retained in reserves but the majority of funds raised was spent during the year. The chart here shows, for the whole organisation and for our subsidiaries in the US and Germany, the proportions spent on meeting charitable objectives, fundraising and trading, management and administration costs. The total amount spent internationally was £3,654,000, of which £743,000 was spent by WDC Germany and £264,000 by WDC North America. Consistently across all regions, over 70% of our expenditure is on activities to meet our charitable objectives. WDC UK spends a
How the money is spent
higher percentage on fundraising than the US How the money is spent or Germany, but that is commensurate with our 100% direct marketing campaigns in the UK, which do contribute 85% of the total income raised 75% in the UK. Our total expenditure per year has decreased. The difficult economic conditions 50% have directly contributed to this, as we have seen a reduction of 8% in our income 25% from last year. International 0% Our supporters continue to donate as North America Germany generously as they can, and we work to match what they are able to give to the work we carry Trading, management and administration (incl governance) Fundraising out, which you can read about in other sections Meeting charitable objectives of this annual review, on our website and through our social networking channels. Consistently across all regions, over 70% of our expenditure is on activities to meet spends a higher percentage on Fundraising than The information in the chart here has our charitable objectives. A copy ofThe theUKfull consolidated accounts, the US or Germany, but that is commensurate with our direct marketing campaigns been extracted from the audited consolidated the report of the auditors and the report of the in the UK, which do contribute 85% of the total income raised in the UK. accounts for the year ended 30 September,Our total expenditure Trusteespercan be obtained from the Company year has decreased. The difficult economic conditions 2011, for the charity and from the audited have directly Secretary WDC, House, St Paul contributed, at as we haveBrookfield seen a reduction in our38 income of 8% from last Our supporters continue to donate as generously as they can, and we work to accounts of the subsidiary companies. year. Street, Chippenham, SN15 1LJ. match what they are able to give to work we carry out, which you can read about in other sections of this annual review and on our website and our social networking sites.
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A big Thank you! WDC wishes to acknowledge the continued support from corporate partners, trusts and foundations, major donors, donations in memoriam and legacies. We would also like to thank individual members of the public, adopters and WDC members
Trusts and foundations
BBC Wildlife Fund H de C Hastings Trust Joan Cullen Charitable Trust Kilverstone Wildlife Charitable Trust Simon Gibson Charitable Trust T D Brunton Charitable Trust The Benham Charitable Settlement The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation The Joyce Cater Charitable Trust The Maud Beattie Murchie Charitable Trust The Michael Harry Sacher Charitable Trust The Panton Trust Okeanos Ocean Care The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)
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Statutory Funding DEFRA Moray Leader Programme Scottish Natural Heritage
Corporate Support
Conran Design Group Mark Whelan and the team at Cake Entertainment Lisa Drewe (Newleaf Sustainability Practice) Elite Courier Company Endsleigh Insurance Konfidence Profile SEALIFE Target Dry Ltd Viridian Nutrition
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Get in touch WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Brookfield House 38 St Paul Street Chippenham SN15 1LJ UK whales.org info@whales.org 01249 449 500
20 | WHALE&DOLPHIN | Autumn 2012