July 23 — World Whale and Dolphin Day: the history of the holiday

Every year, on July 23, World Whale and Dolphin Day is celebrated worldwide, designed to draw attention to the protection and conservation of these and other marine mammals. Izvestia tells us by whom and when this holiday was established, as well as what interesting events are taking place in Russia and other countries on this day.

The history of the World Whale and Dolphin Day Holiday

The idea of creating a holiday appeared in 1986. It was then that the International Whaling Commission (IWC) imposed a global moratorium on commercial whaling in order to stop the sharp decline in their population and give it the opportunity to recover. This measure prevented the extinction of several whale species.

In subsequent years, July 23 became an important date not only for animal rights activists, but also for environmentalists and activists involved in the protection of marine fauna.

Traditions of Whale and Dolphin Day celebrations in 2025

On July 23, authorities and public organizations in many countries hold educational events. Citizens are told about the need to protect and protect marine mammals. On this day, they talk not only about the importance of preserving the whale and dolphin populations in the ecosystem, but also about threats such as plastic pollution and climate change.

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This holiday has a special significance for Russia. The Russian seas are home to dozens of species of dolphins, whales, and seals. Many of them are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as they are endangered.

On this day in Russia, activists and environmental organizations hold educational exhibitions, lectures, documentary screenings, webinars and environmental tours, themed games and workshops for children in order to draw public attention to the problems of marine ecology.

Whale and Dolphin Day in 2025: how it is celebrated in other countries

On Whale and Dolphin Day, conservation organizations and oceanariums around the world hold educational events aimed at protecting marine mammals. In the United States, for example, fascinating whale and dolphin watching tours are organized, and large companies participate in symbolic adoption programs, which helps finance conservation projects. There are also charity events, the proceeds of which go to scientific research and rescue operations.

Whale watching tours are popular in Australia, especially in coastal regions. Local authorities and environmental organizations hold charity events to raise funds for the study and protection of marine animals. Local communities are actively involved in beach cleaning campaigns, which helps reduce sea pollution, which remains one of the main threats to whales and dolphins.

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In Japan, cultural centers and museums organize lectures and screenings of documentaries about whales and dolphins, telling about the problems faced by these marine life in the wild. Beach cleaning and garbage collection campaigns are taking place in coastal cities. In addition, workshops for children, drawing contests and sightseeing tours are popular in the country.

Thematic lectures, exhibitions, and eco-tourism are widespread in European countries such as the United Kingdom and Spain. Protests against whaling and the use of whales in the entertainment industry are taking place in some regions.

Earlier, Izvestia told how Russia celebrates Environmentalist Day.