Environmental NGOs and the dolphin‐tuna case

Abstract

The dolphin‐tuna case involves Environmental NGOs (ENGOs) promoting sound environmental practices by US and international tuna fishing fleets in the Eastern Topical Pacific Ocean (ETPO). An analysis of this case is critical because it demonstrates the political complexity of a high seas environmental issue as well as how ENGOs were able to insert themselves into domestic and international policy processes. Working together in coalition, ENGOs defined the issue, convinced policymakers and the public that the problems of the ETPO needed to be solved, and promoted solutions. The case demonstrates that the actions of the ENGOs were instrumental in shaping US legislation, policies of the Inter American Tropical Tuna Commission, and the international agreement between fishing states.