Pro Delphinus
Protecting Peru’s marine life through science, education and community action.
Along the vast Pacific coast of Peru, Pro Delphinus has been working for more than 30 years to protect marine species — from sea turtles and dolphins to seabirds and sharks. Their team of biologists, educators and community leaders believes that lasting conservation begins with knowledge, compassion, and collaboration.
Through years of field research and partnerships with artisanal fishing communities, Pro Delphinus promotes sustainable fisheries and raises awareness of the need to protect Peru’s extraordinary marine biodiversity.
They operate along the entire Peruvian coastline, combining science, education, and community engagement to create long-term change — protecting the ocean while improving local livelihoods.
About Pro Delphinus
Founded in 1995 and based in Lima, Pro Delphinus is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of threatened marine wildlife and the promotion of sustainable fisheries.
Their work includes long-term monitoring of sea turtles, small cetaceans, seabirds, and sharks, as well as training programs for young biologists throughout Peru and Latin America.
By connecting research with education and outreach Pro Delphinus helps ensure that Peru’s rich marine ecosystems remain healthy and productive for generations to come.
From scientific publications to classroom lessons and hands-on fieldwork, every project reflects their belief that real conservation begins with people — and that protecting the ocean is a shared responsibility.
Our Impact
Every year, Pro Delphinus reaches hundreds of fishers, students, and coastal families through education, research, and outreach. Their long-term monitoring of sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds has helped explore ways to reduce bycatch and inspired new conservation initiatives across Peru.
““Through collaboration with over 400 artisanal fishers, their work has led to measurable reductions in bycatch and a growing awareness across Peru’s coastal regions.”
Pro Delphinus -
Current Programs & Initiatives
1️⃣ Sea Turtle Conservation
Bycatch monitoring and safe handling and release training programs along Peru’s coast to help protect endangered sea turtles from entanglement and bycatch. Includes tagging, population tracking, and education for local fishers.
2️⃣ Small Cetacean Research
Studies on whales and small cetaceans caught incidentally in fishing nets and testing of bycatch reductions technologies like pingers and net illumination.
3️⃣ Sustainable Fisheries Program
Working hand-in-hand with artisanal fishers to reduce marine megafauna bycatch, improve gear selectivity, and begin addressing the problem of marine debris and marine plastics.
4️⃣ Seabird and Shark Monitoring
Field surveys and data collection to understand the impact of fisheries on threatened species such as waved albatrosses and Humboldt penguins.
5️⃣ Marine Education & Outreach
Educational workshops for schools and coastal communities — building awareness and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards.
Education
Volunteers
- Follow us on social media and help spread our message
- Share our educational materials, videos and scientific papers
Get in touch to learn more.
