FY2017 ANNUAL REPORT Whale and Dolphin Conservation

2017ANNUAL REVIEW northamerica

WDC is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins WDC is celebrating its 30th year of delivering conservation and protection for whales and dolphins globally as we enter our 13th year of focused conservation efforts in North America. From fighting for the survival of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales and Southern Resident orcas to campaigning to keep US legal mandates to protect marine mammal in place, 2017 has been a demanding year. Fortunately, we have you! Thanks to your support, we are up for the challenge. From teaching children in schools about the ecological role whales play, to demanding Congress protect these majestic creatures, we are up for the challenge. With your support, we give whales and dolphins a voice. And as we learn more about the role whales play in sustaining fish stocks, fighting climate change, and literally supporting every other breath we take, we are fighting more intensely to ensure that whale and dolphin populations not only survive, but thrive. Our future depends on it. With much appreciation, Regina Asmutis-Silvia Executive Director, WDC North AmericaContents Our VISION A world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free2017 Highlights Financial Review 2-3 Our valuesCorporate Partners 4 5 „ Integrity „ C ourage Our work is backed by robust We are not afraid to take on those research, science and philosophy. whose actions harm whales and dolphins – We are THE authority on whales whether they be big business, governments and dolphins and the threats they face. or industries. „ P assion „ I nclusiveness We care deeply about whales and WDC does not work alone. Our supporters dolphins, and the oceans they live in. We are at the heart of what we do. We work share this passion with our supporters. with other NGOs, communities and governments to achieve real protections for whales and dolphins. OUR MISSION To amaze people with the wonder of whales and dolphins, and inspire global action to protect them

Why we need to protectwhales & dolphinsWhy do whales and dolphins need our help?The more accurate question is can we survive source of at least half the world’s oxygen, and awithout whales and dolphins? Research confirms primary means to sequester Carbon. We needthat whales and dolphins are an integral part of the phytoplankton, and phytoplankton need whales.ecosystem on which we all depend. As the Ocean’s Ending captivity, bycatch and the cruelty of whaling,gardeners, whales bring life-giving nutrients to and protecting our ocean is not just the right thing tophytoplankton, the base of the ocean’s food web, the do, our future depends on it. Saving Whales and Their Culture Whales play a vital role in the marine ecosystem but saving whales means more than just increasing the number of individuals. We work to ensure that those populations have a healthy mix of individuals: male, female, juvenile and mature whales are needed. As we learn more about these majestic creatures we discover that they, like us, have complex societies and culture. Elders retain the knowledge of historic feeding areas or bygone threats whichthey pass on to their offspring, while young whales innovate and create new feeding techniques to share with their peers. These roles are increasingly important as whale populations must adapt to a rapidly changing climate. WDC is at the forefront of recognizing that trulysaving whales also means saving their culture. We are working to help them survive and thrive. 2017 WDC 1

THE YEAR IN REVIEW2017HIGHLIGHTS Thank you for your amazing support! msw2exa0oupv1rcee7khriwmntisnhgatatroolhkengesssaeaaentnmdo3du0ailtdecytohsehltiapeeorrvhnseeie!ndafsB,noetadrhlloWlianownfDvklaueCsrreet–ntohacoseefuuewdrpweo3pcr0ooilfstdrhitt.oehanrensmhnliiikgavekeherlyisrgosahu,rt.yesY.doouWfucweaa’thrveeeattehawnceahepbiehulivabnevlgideco,sbuaoernedn END EN CAPTIVITY BYC In 2017, working with Merlin WDC challenged Entertainments, we found our Council’s sus preferred location for our beluga sanctuary site in Iceland. It was once certification of C home for Keiko - the star of Free which uses gea Willy. We are now working to secure and kill critically all of the permits. Our goal is to Atlantic right w move the two belugas from China to WDC and its con the Sanctuary in 2019! filed a legal appea Marine Fisheries actions to redu of North Atlantic waLittle White © Stephen McCulloch SAFE & HEALTHY SEAS In March, WDC published its research concluding that nearly 15% of southern Gulf of Maine humpbacks have been hit by boats. In May, WDC was appointed to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary’s small boater working group. WDC also increased its efforts in 2017 to reach out to power boaters, sailors and commercial whale watch operators through three focused outreach programs.2 WDC 2017

NDING We appreciate yourCATCH support and value every single one of you. Ind the Marine Steward return for your passionstainable seafood and commitment, this isCanadian Snow Crab our promise to you ar known to injure y endangered North We willwhales. In October, nservation partners • Administer your donation efficiently, al to the US National putting your gift to work quickly.s Service demandinguce entanglements • Use your donation carefully and c right whales in US responsibly. aters. • W here you have donated to a STOP particular project, respect your wish WHALING to allocate your donation to that project. WDC developed education modules and traveled to Saint Vincent and the • Thank you for your support and let Grenadines in the eastern Caribbean. WDC you know what your donations have staff trained local educators about the made possible. biology and culture of humpback whales and, as a result, educational presentations • Make the best use of our income by carrying out projects that have a in schools of the whaling village demonstrable, positive impact on the reached over 200 students ranging from lives of whales and dolphins. kindergarten to 6th grade. • Ensure that your personal details and We also welcomed the news that there was donations are kept securely. no fin whaling in Iceland this summer! • Communicate with you in the ways that you prefer - and, if these change, adapt them to suit your needs. • Never put any pressure on you to make a donation. 2017 WDC 3

FINANCIAL REVIEW Fund-raising 13% Conservation Programs Overhead/ and Policy Work Administration 82% 5%To view current and past finacial reports, please CLICK HERE to see our GuideStar profile. WDC is proud to have achieved a GuideStar Platinum rating.16 WDC 2016

All thanks to youWDC thanks you, and all of our partners, for your important supportthroughout the year.We really couldn’t do this without you.Corporate Partners • In the Wild Productions/Chris Trusts and Foundations• Allstate Giving Campaign Hamilton • Acton Family Fund• Amazon Smile • Craigslist Charitable Fund• American Express Employee • JustGive • European Outdoor • Kamibashi Giving Program • My Buena Vida Conservation Association• A Estes Art • PayPal Giving Fund • Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund• Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club, • Pura Vida • The GE Foundation • The Riviera Towel Comapny • IBM International Foundation LLC • Sakroots • The Jessica Rekos• Anonymous • SEGA Foundation (US)• Benevity • Systems Marine, Inc • The Karp-Haahr Family Fund• Cape Clasp • Ternua • Patagonia (US)• Captain John Whale • Theresa LaBrecque • Richard J. Carney & Donna • The Unitarian Church of Carney Charitable Trust Watching• Cars, Inc. Barnstable• Designs by Witt • West Marine• Franklin Templeton Investments• Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises16 WDC 2016

Keep intouchWDC Whaleand DolphinConservation7 Nelson StreetPlymouth, MA 02360United States888.699.4253contact@whales.orgwhales.orgFacebookfacebook.com/whales.orginstagraminstagram.com/whales_orgTwitterNA_WHALES_orgpinterestuk.pinterest.com/whales_orgyoutubeWhale and DolphinConservationflickrflickr.com/photos/whales_orgAll images taken by WDCInterns during 2017 unlessotherwise noted.