ASCOBANS, the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish, and North Seas, was established in 1992 to promote international cooperation for the protection of small cetaceans in their marine habitats. With its roots in the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, ASCOBANS plays a crucial role in managing the conservation status of these species across borders. The agreement encompasses various member states and aims to implement a Conservation and Management Plan that includes habitat conservation, pollution mitigation, and public outreach.

Administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), ASCOBANS facilitates collaboration through national reports, conservation campaigns, and scientific research. The agreement covers a defined marine area and seeks to engage all Range States in addressing threats such as bycatch and marine pollution. ASCOBANS not only fosters environmental stewardship but also enhances awareness regarding the significance of small cetaceans in marine ecosystems. Visit their website for more information and resources on conservation efforts.