The Cetacean Studies Institute has a seven-fold mission:

1) To advance understanding of direct contact between Humans and Cetaceans.
CSI conducts anthropological studies of Human response to contact,
and ethological studies of Cetacean response to contact,
leading to improvements for Humans and Cetaceans in both wild and managed situations.

2) To Build and Maintain an Archive
of materials pertaining to the study and understanding of Cetaceans
and records of their interactions with Humans.

3) To conduct and support on-going research
on the history and biology, language-patterns, intelligence, and consciousness of Cetaceans,
as well as the general and specific therapeutic applications and healing modalities of Human-Cetacean interaction,
and to provide co-ordination services to the Cetacean research community
through the maintenance of a clearing-house of information.

4) To create and disseminate educational materials and programs
in CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Video, film, Web site (the Cetaceancyclopedia), print, and live performance formats,
and to develop specific formats to provide information to educators, legislators, students, reporters, doctors, scientists and the general public.

5) To contribute directly to, and to catalyze, the realization of the Cetacean Nation,
as first formulated by Dr. John C. Lilly, MD
the objective of which is to establish a universal charter
that will articulate the legal status of Cetaceans and gain international recognition of their rights,
and representation in the United Nations.

6) To sponsor conviviums, symposiums and workshops.
CSI conducts retreats and educational field expeditions to Cetacean sanctuaries, research facilities, and historic sites.

7) To identify organizations, projects and individuals for support,
which are solving Cetacean, environmental, and Ocean issues,
including, but not limited to, funding, information resources, publishing and distribution services.