Marine certifications

Sustainable fishing, here's how to get the label

The certification is provided by Friend of the Sea, a project of the World Sustainability Organisation. You can also apply for the seal for whale and dolphin watching

by Niccolò Gramigni

12 March 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Certifications that reward sustainable practices in fishing, aquaculture and fish oil and omega-3 production. This is the work done by Friend of the Sea, a project of the World Sustainability Organisation, an international NGO that pursues a humanitarian mission of environmental protection: the NGO - founded by Paolo Bray and with its registered office in Milan - also promotes pilot projects relating to restaurants, sustainable maritime transport, whale and dolphin-watching, aquariums, ornamental fish and UV creams.

The programme

It is the only internationally recognised and supervised certification programme for sustainable fishing by a national accreditation body. These practices are increasingly in demand, so much so that Friend of the Sea has a dozen or so certifications, namely 'sustainable fishing and fleets', 'sustainable aquaculture', 'sustainable nutraceuticals', 'sustainable shipping', 'reef safe sun protection', 'sustainable dolphin and whale watching', 'sustainable aquariums', 'sustainable restaurants', 'sustainable beaches', and 'sustainable salt'.

In order to obtain certification, one has to fill in the online form, sign the contract and schedule the audit so that all requirements can be verified: the process is usually completed within a few months.

Dolphin and whale watching

One of the most distinctive certifications to be obtained is that on sustainable dolphin and whale watching, a practice that is now widespread worldwide and consists of 'targeting' specific communities of whales and dolphins for a close encounter.

Among the best places to admire the scenery are Vancouver Island, located on the west coast of Canada in the Pacific Ocean, the Scottish coast and Hong Kong harbour where the pink dolphin can be found. However, it is important that observation is responsible.

Compliance with the sustainability requirements contained in the Friend of the Sea Dolphin and Sustainable Whale Watching standard makes it possible to safeguard cetaceans. In order to obtain this certification, there are certain rules to be respected such as the maximum approach distance, the absolute ban on swimming with cetaceans, not exceeding the maximum number of vessels (to be determined according to location) in the viewing area and the ban on single-use plastics on board.

WeWhale's certification

WeWhale, the European company specialising in low-impact cetacean watching experiences, has just obtained the international Friend of the Sea certification for sustainable whale and dolphin watching.

Among the characteristics of WeWhale, which enabled it to obtain the certification, is the exclusive use of electric or hybrid boats, which guarantee silence and zero direct emissions. WeWhale - which operates in Denia, Sotogrande, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria - also gained recognition for the educational dimension of its excursions.

Each outing is led by marine professionals, who explain cetacean behaviour, communication and habitat. "We are delighted to welcome WeWhale to our global network of certified operators," said Bray. "Their commitment to the use of electric technology and scientific outreach shows concretely how tourism can become a tool for species protection. "This certification confirms who we are,' commented Janek Andre, founder of WeWhale. It represents a guarantee for discerning travellers and shows that each of our tours generates knowledge, awareness and a real positive impact on the ocean."