Super Eco

Photo credit: The Whaleman Foundation

Since rocketing to stardom with her role on television's Heroes, Hayden Panettiere has been an outspoken advocate for marine life, most specifically for frequently targeted dolphins and whales. She spoke out on this issue during Saturday's Green Inaugural Ball, calling the practice of whaling "unnecessary," and claiming that she and incoming President Barack Obama have previously spoken about the matter.

Despite the culturally significant Save The Whales campaign that began in the late 1970s, whaling is still a common practice in the waters north of Europe, off the coast of Alaska, and south of Japan, where 14,000 dolphins—actually a type of whale—are annually killed for food. Though whales are rarely hunted for oil in the modern era, much of the world still allows the killing of whales and dolphins for food or scientific research. Norway, for example, allows hunting of the Minke whale, though this species is not considered endangered and fewer than 1,000 are generally killed each year. Organizations like the Whaleman Foundation, of which Panettiere is an active member, strives to eliminate the practice of whaling altogether, regardless of species.

At the Green Ball, Panettiere revealed that she is working on a documentary with the Whaleman Foundation that seeks to educate the public about a practice long-since forgotten by many in the environmental community. For young people who want to help the whale population, Panettiere encourages "[writing] to their government. That’s the best thing in the world [activists] can do." The young actress is also active with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, whose broad mission is to defend sea habitats the world over. You may not be a 19-year-old television star who earns over $2 million a year, but you can certainly be an active advocate for marine life by donating time or money to the Whaleman Foundation, or even simply signing a petition.