A healthy Ocean is essential for life on the blue planet.
We must stop harming our planet and start caring for it. The time to act is now.
ANIMAL WELFARE AND SPECIES PROTECTION Ocean Custody protects marine life
We ensure that marine animals have a future. In this endeavour the conservation of biodiversity and individual species, but also the welfare and freedom of the individual animal are important to us. It is our responsibility to prevent the extinction of further marine species and to protect marine animals.
abundance decrease of oceanic sharks and rays since 1970
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%
A significant turnaround in the management of these animals is needed.
common dolphins are only left in the Greek Gulf of Corinth
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Fishing, noise and marine pollution complicate efforts to preserve these dolphins.
of assessed cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea are threatened
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%
They are listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Protect marine life with your donation.
Your donation will help to ensure that threatened marine animals are protected and that their habitats are conserved.
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PARTICULARLY ENDANGERED MARINE ANIMALS
Whales
Many whale species and populations have been hunted mercilessly and almost to the point of extinction. Although there is a global moratorium on commercial whaling, the danger has not yet been averted. Underwater noise, climate change, plastic pollution, ship collisions and other factors continue to threaten whale species and populations.
Dolphins
Did you know that dolphins can recognise themselves in the mirror? These intelligent marine mammals are curious and prefer to live in groups. Many dolphins die as bycatch in fishing nets. Numerous species, populations and sub-populations of dolphins and porpoises are threatened.
Seals
Many seal species – which also include elephant seals and sea lions – have been mercilessly hunted on account of their soft fur, and some species have even been wiped out. Ocean Custody is particularly committed to protecting Mediterranean monk seals.
Sea turtles
They have survived for millions of years and are considered to be the «dinosaurs» of the ocean. Now humans are endangering their survival. Six out of seven sea turtle species are currently threatened. They are hunted for food, die as bycatch in fishing nets or get entangled in plastic debris which they also sometimes eat.
Manatees
Did you know? The manatees’ closest relatives are elephants. They share not only their preference for eating large quantities of vegetation, but also their long life expectancy. Depending on the species, manatees live between 40 and 60 years.
Polar bears
The skin of polar bears is black but their hair is actually transparent and their longer hairs are hollow, this allows them to effectively capture the sun’s warmth and also makes them shine white. These arctic hunters are optimally adapted to their icy habitat – but it is melting away under their paws. Human-made climate change, but also hunting endangers the future of the King of the Arctic.
Sharks
Tens of millions of sharks fall victim to direct hunting and as bycatch of intensive fishing activities every year. Immeasurable animal suffering and the decimation of numerous shark populations are the result. A new peaceful type of relationship between humans and sharks is urgently needed.
Fish
The human appetite for fish is unrestrained: whether for human consumption or as fishmeal for factory farming. Industrial fishing, but also fish farming, has led to up to 38% of all fish stocks being overfished and 51% being exploited to the maximum.
Threats to marine animals
Fishing activities, plastic pollution, underwater noise, climate change and chemical pollution – are among the wide range of threats now adversely affecting many marine species.
Animal rescue operations
In addition to advocacy work, research, education and public relations, we also contribute to the protection of marine animals by supporting animal rescue operations. Because each and every individual counts.
JOIN US IN SUPPORTING MARINE CONSERVATION
With your donation
Every amount is of value and will help to protect the ocean and its inhabitants both today and in the future.
With your commitment
Get active: your voice under petitions and your involvement in actions – such as Cleanup Day – is important and counts.