The Cove is the new documentary about former dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry and his fight to free dolphins today. O’Barry actually helped capture and train the dolphins used in the TV show “Flipper” and has since had a change of heart about using dolphins in captivity for entertainment.

O’Barry travels to Taiji, Japan, a community that is supposed to be devoted to dolphins and whales, supporting the creatures and their amazing uniqueness. However, once there, O’Barry encounters the cove—a remote area surrounded by barbed wire and “Keep Out” signs. He discovers that this is the place where fisherman secretly hunt for dolphin meat and perform dastardly acts to get it—and to keep it secret.

Among their discoveries, they found out that over 20,000 dolphins and porpoises are killed in this area every single year. It’s often being marketed as whale meat, sold to Japanese consumers even with its high levels of mercury as well. And, as you may have suspected, it’s absolutely illegal to do.

Along with a team from the Oceanic Preservation Society and filmmaker Louis Psihoyos, O’Barry begins a quest to uncover the truth about what’s happening in the cove. “The result is a provocative mix of investigative journalism, eco-adventure and arresting imagery that adds up to an urgent plea for hope,” declares the website.

The Cove opened on July 31, and is now open in theaters nationwide. To find a screening near you, click here.

But raising awareness about the plight of these dolphins does not end with seeing the film. There are a number of ways you can take action for these dolphins:

Take your Friends: Invite friends and family to go see The Cove and spread awareness.

Send a Letter: Write to President Obama, Vice President Biden and the Japanese Ambassador to the U.S Ichiro Fujisaki and ask that they get Japan to revoke the permits that the country has issued to allow this to happen, as well as to get the International Whaling Commission to step in and take action against this illegal hunting.

Post a Widget: Add this widget to your website or blog to support the cause and get friends to sign a letter, too.

Become a Fan at Facebook: Join The Cove’s fan page to help spread the word among your Facebook friends. You can also get the latest news and updates about the film, the cause and ways to help.