Dolphin Awareness Month is an annual campaign commemorated in March to spread awareness about the merciless killing of dolphins. Dolphins are described as the smartest marine animal, and they have a long history of being friendly with human beings. However, it is the friendly and trusting nature of dolphins that has led to the demise of many and the mass endangerment of the species. Every year, thousands of dolphins are killed, either for their meat or their blubber, which are sold on the black market. Water pollution is another factor causing dolphin numbers to drop. In March, we spend time thinking about how to conserve dolphins and prevent them from being subjected to cruelty.
History of Dolphin Awareness Month
It is unclear when March became the month that focused on dolphin awareness, but for at least 20 years, the world has celebrated Dolphin Awareness Month in an effort to conserve dolphins globally.
With several species of dolphin having been declared endangered, it has never been more important to dedicate a month to the protection of these marine mammals.
The earliest fossil records of dolphins have been dated back to the early Miocene Epoch period, ranging from 16.4 to 23.8 million years ago. Dolphins, as we know them today, have existed since the Miocene period.
The sad reality is that humans have been exploiting dolphins for decades. Since 1962, an estimated 50,000 sharks have been killed as part of the Queensland shark-culling program. Given that dolphins can be caught in these traps too, it is horrifying to think of how many of them may have died.
In 2006, a report revealed that there are no dolphins left in the Yangtze River in China. This came as a shock to the world but, unfortunately, the shock was short-lived. According to the documentary “The Cove,” the dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan came as another shock, but the world soon forgot that as well.
Dolphin Awareness Month timeline
The earliest fossil remains of dolphins date back to the early Miocene Epoch.
In a report published on the Yangtze River Dolphins, it is declared that these dolphins are now extinct.
A documentary called “The Cove” exposes the annual dolphin hunt in Taiji and causes an international outcry.
Despite the awareness programs and efforts to conserve dolphins, 2021 saw a massacre of 1,500 dolphins in the Faroe Islands.
Dolphin Awareness Month FAQs
Why are sharks afraid of dolphins?
Dolphins live in pods and use the philosophy of safety in numbers to ward off shark attacks. They attack as a group and sharks have learned to be wary.
Do dolphins eat people?
No, dolphins do not eat people. It may interest you to know, however, that orcas have cannibalistic tendencies and will eat smaller dolphins.
Why are dolphins so important?
Not only are they magnificent, highly intelligent creatures, but they play an important role in keeping their environment in balance.
How to Observe Dolphin Awareness Month
Participate in an awareness program
Any effort made to spread awareness on how important dolphins are to marine life can help save a dolphin’s life.
Donate to the cause
There are marine wildlife conservation teams out there trying to make a difference. They rely on donations from us to make an impact, so make as big a donation as you can.
Organize a seawater cleansing drive
Dolphins are endangered not only because humans hunt them, but because of polluted water. Let us make an effort to use this month to clean up our oceans for the sake of our dolphin friends.
5 Fascinating Facts About Dolphins
They are persecuted for sport
In the Faroe Islands, northwest of Scotland, the annual dolphin hunt is undertaken purely for entertainment value.
Dolphins are not fussy eaters
A dolphin’s diet is varied and consists of squid, crustaceans, and fish.
There are 42 species of dolphins
Currently, there are only 42 species of dolphins in the world.
Orcas are the largest dolphins
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are the largest known species of dolphin.
They have different gestation periods
Different species of dolphins have different gestation periods, ranging from 10 to 18 months.
Why Dolphin Awareness Month is Important
Dolphins are endangered
The friendliest marine mammals, dolphins have been known to have helped people in various dangerous situations at sea. We have not returned the favor and thanks to mankind’s actions, dolphins are now endangered.
Awareness needs to spread
Dolphins are an important part of maintaining balance in marine ecosystems. People need to be taught about the importance of dolphins, and worldwide bans need to be imposed on dolphin hunting and whaling.
The exploitation of dolphins needs to stop
Around the world, dolphins are made to perform in aquarium shows and swim alongside humans wishing to tick ‘swimming with the dolphins’ off their bucket lists. These practices are cruel and unnatural, and Dolphin Awareness Month can help to put a stop to them.
Dolphin Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 1 | Thursday |
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