Ocean Action
The ocean needs witnesses. It also needs advocates.
Practical steps for individuals, communities, and institutions — organized by the issues that matter most to California's marine life.
Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing
Dolphins and other marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Approaching too closely, feeding, or disrupting natural behavior is illegal and harmful. Maintain at least 50 yards distance from dolphins and whales. Do not pursue, encircle, or separate mothers from calves. Choose whale-watching operators who follow NOAA guidelines.
Actions you can take
- →Keep 50+ yards from dolphins and whales
- →Never feed marine mammals
- →Choose NOAA-certified whale-watch operators
- →Report harassment to NOAA Fisheries: 1-800-853-1964
Plastic and Chemical Pollution
Plastic pollution enters the ocean from land-based sources — storm drains, rivers, coastal littering, and industrial discharge. Microplastics are now found in the deepest ocean trenches and in the bodies of marine mammals. Chemical pollution from agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and industrial discharge creates dead zones and accumulates in food webs.
Actions you can take
- →Reduce single-use plastic consumption
- →Participate in local beach and watershed cleanups
- →Support stormwater management policies in your municipality
- →Advocate for extended producer responsibility legislation
Underwater Noise
Underwater noise from shipping, military sonar, seismic surveys, and construction is one of the least-regulated forms of ocean pollution. It disrupts dolphin and whale communication, navigation, and prey detection — sometimes fatally. Advocacy for noise reduction is one of the highest-impact actions available to ocean supporters.
Actions you can take
- →Support the International Maritime Organization's noise reduction guidelines
- →Advocate for slow-speed shipping zones in critical marine mammal habitat
- →Oppose unmitigated seismic surveys in sensitive areas
- →Support NOAA's Ocean Noise Strategy
Fisheries and Bycatch
Dolphins and other marine mammals are killed as bycatch in commercial fishing operations worldwide. In California, drift gillnets used in the swordfish fishery have historically been one of the leading causes of dolphin mortality. Consumer choices, fisheries policy, and gear modification all play a role.
Actions you can take
- →Choose seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council
- →Support drift gillnet phase-out legislation
- →Advocate for observer coverage on commercial fishing vessels
- →Support forage fish protection — anchovies, sardines, and herring are the base of the food web
Habitat Protection
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are the most effective tool for protecting ocean habitat. California has one of the most extensive MPA networks in the world, but enforcement, funding, and expansion remain ongoing challenges. Coastal development, dredging, and offshore energy projects all affect marine habitat.
Actions you can take
- →Support California's MPA network and its monitoring programs
- →Participate in coastal land-use planning processes
- →Oppose development projects that degrade coastal wetlands and estuaries
- →Support kelp forest restoration initiatives
Citizen Science
Citizen science programs allow members of the public to contribute to real marine research. Dolphin and whale sighting data, beach debris surveys, water quality monitoring, and acoustic recording all benefit from distributed observation networks.
Actions you can take
- →Report dolphin and whale sightings to Happywhale or iNaturalist
- →Participate in NOAA's CoastWatch beach debris survey program
- →Join a local water quality monitoring program
- →Contribute to the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS)
Coastal Policy Participation
The most consequential decisions about California's ocean are made in public processes — California Coastal Commission hearings, NOAA fisheries management council meetings, state water board proceedings, and federal environmental review processes. Public participation matters.
Actions you can take
- →Track California Coastal Commission agendas and submit public comments
- →Attend Pacific Fishery Management Council meetings
- →Engage with your state and federal representatives on ocean issues
- →Support organizations that provide legal representation for ocean interests
Vetted organizations
NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region
Federal agency responsible for marine mammal protection and fisheries management
California Coastal Commission
State agency with authority over coastal development and public access
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Deep-sea research institution with extensive California ocean monitoring programs
Ocean Alliance
Research and conservation organization focused on whales and ocean health
Surfrider Foundation
Grassroots coastal protection organization with California chapters
Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations
Represents commercial fishing communities with a stake in sustainable fisheries
Organizations listed here have been selected for their scientific credibility, transparency, and focus on California marine ecosystems. Listing does not constitute endorsement of all positions or activities.
Want to understand the issues more deeply?
Ask our dolphin editors about any of these topics — each responds from their own species perspective and ecological knowledge.
Ask a Dolphin