Dolphins and porpoises are at the top of the food chain and play an important role in the overall balance of the marine environment. They belong to a group of marine mammals called cetaceans. Marine mammals in the cetacean family include whales, dolphins, and porpoises. These animals are often referred to as “sentinels” of ocean health providing insight into marine ecosystem dynamics. Numerous studies have explored the effects of noise and chemical pollution, habitat degradation, and changes in climate on these animals.
Dolphins and porpoises tend to be social and live in groups. They exhibit complex methods of communication and echolocation making squeaks, buzzes, whistles, and clicks that can be heard from miles away. They are also thought to communicate by slapping the water’s surface with their tails or bodies. They range in size from the small, critically endangered vaquita porpoise to the iconic killer whale—the largest member of the Delphinidae, or dolphin family.
All dolphins and porpoises are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and some are also listed under the Endangered Species Act. Together with our partners, we work to study, protect, and conserve these fascinating species and their habitats.
Species News
Barfield’s fishing vessel, based out of Panama City, Florida. Credit: pcbfishingcharter.com
A Type D killer whale, a new species in the Southern Ocean. Credit: Paul Tixier
New Kids on the Block: Species Discovered by Our Scientists
Stranded bottlenose dolphin in North Carolina marsh. Credit: UNCW
Multimedia
A small fishing vessel near wind turbines. Credit: Bob Brewer on Unsplash
Studying Sound in the Ocean to Prepare for Offshore Wind Development
Research
On-Demand Gear Guide
A roadmap for providing fishermen an option to use on-demand fishing systems in the Greater Atlantic Region by 2028.
Borrow From The Northeast Fisheries Science Center Gear Lending Library
The gear library is a collection of on-demand or “ropeless” systems, built with help and contributions from governmental, non-governmental, and academic organizations, that we lend to fishermen for testing.
Protected Species Gear Research
We work closely with the commercial fishing industry to reduce the risk of harmful interactions with marine mammals, turtles, and other protected species listed under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Developing Viable On-Demand Gear Systems
On-demand gear development continues to evolve with the help of industry.
Understanding Sound in the Ocean
Levels of underwater noise from human activities—including from ships, sonar, and drilling—have increased dramatically.
