Operation GRACE:
Global Rescue of At-Risk Cetaceans & Ecosystems

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A Collaborative, Community-Based Approach to the Conservation of Small Cetaceans

Scientific Snapshot Virtual Series

The National Marine Mammal Foundation and Dolphin Quest present a new virtual Scientific Snapshot series highlighting the groundbreaking conservation efforts taking place through Operation GRACE: Global Rescue of At-Risk Cetaceans and Ecosystems.

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A New Wave of Conservation

The National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) is leading an innovative initiative to save at-risk, threatened, and endangered dolphins, porpoises, and whales from the brink of extinction. Through Operation GRACE: Global Rescue of At-Risk Cetaceans and Ecosystems, we’re taking a collaborative, community-based approach to rescuing aquatic mammals from extinction.

Why Operation GRACE?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has emphasized the need for a broader, more integrated approach to protect at-risk small cetaceans – porpoises, dolphins, and whales. The extinction of the Yangtze River dolphin in China and the catastrophic decline of the vaquita porpoise in Mexico underscore the need for rapid and comprehensive conservation actions.

In response to this urgent call, the NMMF launched Operation GRACE. Leveraging our unparalleled expertise in veterinary care and conservation medicine, we are dedicated to safeguarding at-risk, threatened, and endangered aquatic mammals, their habitats, and the communities that rely on them.
Vaquita Porpoise: The vaquita, the world’s smallest and rarest marine mammal, is critically endangered. As of the 2024 population survey, it is estimated that at least 8 individuals are still alive, compared to about a dozen just one year prior.

Our Approach

Operation GRACE is more than a conservation initiative; it’s a beacon of hope for the world’s most endangered aquatic mammals. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

Collaborative Approach

We partner with international and local species experts deeply rooted in their communities, addressing critical needs and questions with their guidance.

Veterinary and Conservation Medicine Expertise

Our uniquely skilled team is on the front lines, rescuing, rehabilitating, researching, and conserving at-risk cetaceans worldwide.

Scientific and Medical Training

We train local veterinarians, scientists, and community members in veterinary and conservation medicine, empowering them with knowledge, skills, protocols, and equipment needed for species conservation.

Health Assessments

We help conduct health assessments and population surveys to evaluate the health and status of wild aquatic mammals, identify threats to population health, and provide the science needed to develop effective conservation solutions.

Filling Critical Data Gaps

We help gather baseline data on at-risk cetaceans to understand their health and biology before their populations decline to dangerously low numbers.

Innovative Methods and Solutions

We develop cutting-edge, minimally invasive tools and techniques for the conservation of aquatic mammals.

Effective Data Management

We collaborate to create medical databases and standardized protocols to ensure consistency and address crucial species-specific questions.

Multidisciplinary Project Management

Our team manages complex global projects using collaborative and adaptive practices, uniting diverse groups to tackle challenging situations.

Impactful Conservation Communications

We use scientific presentations, publications, education, outreach, and storytelling to share our work, raise awareness, and emphasize the urgent need to protect at-risk wildlife and ecosystems globally.
  • Collaborative Approach: We partner with international and local species experts deeply rooted in their communities, addressing critical needs and questions with their guidance.
  • Veterinary and Conservation Medicine Expertise: Our uniquely skilled team is on the front lines, rescuing, rehabilitating, researching, and conserving at-risk cetaceans worldwide.
  • Scientific and Medical Training: We train local veterinarians, scientists, and community members in veterinary and conservation medicine, empowering them with knowledge, skills, protocols, and equipment needed for species conservation.
  • Health Assessments: We help conduct health assessments and population surveys to evaluate the health and status of wild aquatic mammals, identify threats to population health, and provide the science needed to develop effective conservation solutions.
  • Filling Critical Data Gaps: We help gather baseline data on at-risk cetaceans to understand their health and biology before their populations decline to dangerously low numbers.
  • Innovative Methods and Solutions: We develop cutting-edge, minimally invasive tools and techniques for the conservation of aquatic mammals.
  • Effective Data Management: We collaborate to create medical databases and standardized protocols to ensure consistency and address crucial species-specific questions.
  • Multidisciplinary Project Management: Our team manages complex global projects using collaborative and adaptive practices, uniting diverse groups to tackle challenging situations.
  • Impactful Conservation Communications: We use scientific presentations, publications, education, outreach, and storytelling to share our work, raise awareness, and emphasize the urgent need to protect at-risk wildlife and ecosystems globally.

Priority Initiatives

Since its inception, Operation GRACE has focused on several priority species, including the vaquita porpoise, Franciscana dolphin, Indus River dolphin, and the Amazon River dolphin. These species urgently need our help.

Operation GRACE in Action: Amazon River Dolphin Crisis

Operation GRACE unites with local experts and community members in the fight to save Amazon River dolphins, working together to protect this endangered species and their river habitats. Photo: Eric Franks, NMMF

In late 2023, the Amazon River Basin in Brazil faced a severe crisis. An unusual mortality event (UME) resulted in the death of over 330 Amazon River Dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) and tucuxis (Sotalia fluviatilis). Suspected contributing factors include extreme drought, poor air quality, soaring water temperatures—up to 102°F in some areas—and potential biotoxins.

In response, NMMF’s Conservation Medicine Team provided around-the-clock remote and in-person support through our veterinary and storytelling teams. Collaborating with the Mamiraua Institute for Sustainable Development, we helped investigate the multifactorial causes of the crisis, supported local teams, and documented the unfolding environmental disaster.

Since the die-off, NMMF has continued to support South American organizations such as the Mamiraua Institute and Omacha Fundación. These partners are working to better understand the mortality event and develop mitigation strategies for similar future climate-related crises.

We have also partnered with Associação R3 Animal to support Dr. Thais Rodrigues, a Brazilian veterinarian dedicated to Amazon River dolphin conservation. Dr. Rodrigues works alongside NMMF’s Drs. Forrest Gomez, Ashley Barratclough, and Cynthia Smith to further investigate the mortality event, develop protocols, and provide veterinary assistance for critical baseline health assessments and future animal emergencies.

With anticipated higher temperatures in 2024 and beyond, the risk of future mortality events remains high. Support is needed to ensure the survival of these endangered river dolphins. Your contributions will help provide essential conservation medicine expertise and scientific research to help us develop effective strategies for saving these animals.

Join Us in the Fight to Save our Oceans and Rivers

A Franciscana dolphin calf receives expert care. These dolphins face severe threats from fisheries bycatch, habitat loss, and pollution. With some populations numbering fewer than a few hundred individuals and only a few thousand estimated across their entire range, conservation efforts are crucial to protect and restore Franciscana dolphin populations.
We are facing a human-induced mass extinction crisis. Thousands of species are at risk, and many – like the Yangtze River dolphin – may have already been lost. But for many at-risk dolphins, porpoises, and whales, it’s not too late. We can still save them, but we must change course.
Through Operation GRACE, we are leveraging our conservation medicine expertise, gathering crucial data, and engaging with communities worldwide to save at-risk aquatic mammals. Together, we can turn the tide and secure a future for these incredible creatures for generations to come.
Join us as a philanthropic supporter of Operation GRACE and make a lasting impact on the future of aquatic mammals and their ecosystems. Transform your passion into real change.
Become a Supporter

Operation GRACE Supporters

Operation GRACE is made possible by the generous support of:

Dolphin Quest Logo
Scott and Jessica McClintock Foundation logo (1)
YAQU PACHA e.V. logo
The Society for Marine Mammalogy Logo
Lever for Change logo
Caufield Family Foundation logo

A heartfelt thank you to our individual donors as well. Your support drives the growth of Operation GRACE and helps protect marine mammals in ways that truly make a difference!

Conservation Leadership

The NMMF’s Dr. Forrest Gomez and Dr. Cynthia Smith of Operation GRACE serve as the Conservation Medicine Specialists for the IUCN’s Integrated Conservation Planning for Cetaceans (ICPC) Team. This initiative aims to save critically endangered dolphin and porpoise species from the brink of extinction. To read more about the ICPC’s initiatives, see their complete report from the Ex Situ Options for Cetacean Conservation Workshop here.

The NMMF Conservation Medicine team is dedicated to supporting the goals of the ICPC through our various conservation efforts around the world.