Taiji Dolphin Hunt Shifts: 94 Captured for Parks, 286 Killed

By Rahul Somvanshi

The annual dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan ended February 28, 2025, with startling new numbers.

Photo Credit: Kamatte2010 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Photo Source: Fars Media Corporation (CC BY 4.0)

286 dolphins killed, 94 captured alive - the lowest slaughter count on record.

Why are hunters shifting from killing to capturing? Follow the money.

Photo Credit: Svilen Milev (CC BY-SA 3.0)

A live bottlenose dolphin sells for up to $128,000 to marine parks. Meat brings less than $1,000.

Photo Credit: Andrzej Gdula (Pexels)

Photo Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The Japanese Fisheries Agency permitted 1,824 dolphins to be taken. Only 382 were actually captured or killed.

Who's buying these dolphins? Marine parks in China, Thailand, and Middle Eastern countries.

Photo Source: 蕭漫 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Health concerns: Studies show mercury levels in dolphin meat up to 160 times safety limits

Photo Credit: Open Clipart Vectors (Pixabay)

Photo Source: Campaign Whale (CC BY 2.0)

Scientists warn of 'concerning signs of depletion' in dolphin populations near Japan

Yellow tags observed on many dolphins this season. Research tool or marking future targets?

Photo Source: Picryl

As entertainment demand grows, will marine parks face pressure to stop purchasing wild-caught dolphins?

Photo Credit: Matthew Stinson (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Photo Credit: Savana Price (CC BY 2.0)

The 2025/26 hunting season begins September 1. What will the numbers reveal then?

Read more about the economics and ethics of dolphin hunting at Karmactive.com