As global practices, science, and public opinion evolve, so too should our laws. This is why Cet Law focuses on furthering law and policy to protect cetaceans – whales, dolphins, and porpoises – and their ocean and freshwater habitats.
(Ballenavenido, Baleinevenue)
Translating Science & Knowledge into Protection
Photograph © Eli Martinez
What we do ⌄
Cet Law works in partnership with global non-profits, businesses, government agencies, and universities. By bridging gaps between knowledge and policy, we translate sound science and introduce best practices into legal solutions to protect cetaceans and their habitats for present and future generations.
Cet Law provides legal advice, analysis, training, and facilitation support to inform cetacean-related strategies, policy, laws, and projects. Whether legislating a whale sanctuary, informing campaign strategies, or creating responsible whale watching frameworks, Cet Law works to ensure that the latest scientific research and practical knowledge (including traditional and local knowledge) is translated into protection for cetaceans.
Because cetaceans need lawyers too ⌄
Cetaceans and their ocean home inspire millions of people and yet suffer the consequences of our activity. Cetaceans and their habitat face anthropogenic pressures including climate change, maritime shipping, ocean noise, tourism, marine pollution, captures for captivity, and commercial whaling.
Cetaceans are important contributors to the ocean ecosystem, including as ecosystem engineers assisting to stave off climate change, and as barometers of the health of the marine environment. Protecting them to the full extent of our scientific and practical knowledge is crucial if we are to safeguard our blue planet. It is also our responsibility to ensure that the legal protection of cetaceans corresponds to the increased understanding of the highly evolved cognitive and social capabilities of cetaceans.
About Cet Law ⌄
Cet Law is an international not-for-profit organization that was founded by Natalie Barefoot in 2015. Natalie was joined by Helen Mitcheson and Valentina DaCosta after the three met at the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona in 2019 and connected through their shared passion and goal of using law and legal frameworks to protect cetaceans.
Legal Status ⌄
Cet Law, Inc. is a U.S. 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. All donations are tax-deductible.