What Whale and Dolphin Conservation has going on in 2025
The harbor porpoise is the only whale species native to German waters. On paper, it is a strictly protected species—no one is allowed to disturb or kill it. Unfortunately, reality looks quite different. The population in the central Baltic Sea has dwindled to approximately 450 individuals and is critically endangered. Harbor porpoises in the rest of the Baltic and the North Sea are also struggling. Their main threat is death in fishing nets. Gillnet fishing is practically unrestricted, even in marine protected areas specifically designated to safeguard the habitat of harbor porpoises. Deadly nets are allowed to be used, and other human activities continue to take place there.
In 2025, WDC will continue its work to protect harbor porpoises. Together with partners and through new research projects, we aim to fill knowledge gaps about the importance of harbor porpoises, enabling us to advocate for more effective protective measures through policy. Additionally, the WDC website will feature a new section with information about harbor porpoises, their behavior, habitat, threats, and conservation projects.
