In 2003 the Mediterranean population of common dolphins was classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals.

In 2004, ACCOBAMS presented a comprehensive 90-page Conservation Plan for Mediterranean common dolphins. The Plan was "strongly welcomed" by the 2nd Meeting of the Parties of ACCOBAMS (Resolution 2.20).

In 2005, the Mediterranean population of common dolphins was included in Appendix I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (Bonn Convention - CMS). The population was already included in Appendix II but the listing - formerly limited to a "western Mediterranean population" - was extended to the whole Mediterranean population of common dolphins.

Also in 2005, the Scientific Committee of ACCOBAMS recommended immediate financial and institutional support to small-scale projects for common dolphin conservation.

In 2007, the 3rd Meeting of the Parties to ACCOBAMS was “deeply concerned that despite the strong scientific evidence, strategic planning and multiple expressions of concern and recommendations, inter alia by the ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee and relevant ACCOBAMS Partners, insufficient action has been taken to ensure recovery of the common dolphin in the region”. The Parties were therefore urged to implement the conservation plan for common dolphins and introduce relevant activities into their national action plans. The Secretariat of ACCOBAMS was requested to convey the international concern for common dolphins to the environment and fisheries directorates of the European Commission, in particular for the inclusion of the common dolphin in Annex 2 to the Habitat Directive (Resolution 3.17).