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International Search Reveals Genetic Evidence for New Species of Beaked Whale

An international team of scientists who searched out specimens from museums and remote Arctic islands has identified genetic evidence of a rare new species of beaked whale ranging from northern Japan across the Pacific Ocean to Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.
July 22, 2016 - News ,
West Coast

Long-Term Surveys Show Endangered Beluga Population Inhabiting Just a Portion of Historic Seasonal Range in Alaska’s Cook Inlet

The Cook Inlet Beluga whale is a NOAA Fisheries “Species in the Spotlight.” Listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, this population of beluga whale may be at risk of extinction. An agency-wide effort is underway to protect it along with seven other high-risk species. July is Habitat Month. In this feature, we highlight ongoing research that helps us identify key areas where belugas live.
July 13, 2016 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Group of beluga whales swimming in the ocean

NOAA and Partners Chart New Territory for Ocean Science

Deploying autonomous sailing vessels with customized acoustic technologies to study whales, fish and seals in remote parts of the ocean.
June 03, 2016 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Sail drone in water with mountains in background.

Humpback Whales: An Endangered Species Act Success Story?

Are humpback whales still endangered, or have their populations recovered enough since whaling ended that they can now be taken off the Endangered Species List? NOAA Fisheries scientists have spent several years researching this question, and their ans
April 20, 2016 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
humpback_nefsc.jpg

Sentinels of Change: Gray Whales in the Arctic

Gray whales are now making their great annual migration to Arctic feeding grounds. What they find there may be changing.
March 29, 2016 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Tail of whale poking out of water

Vessel Speed Biggest Factor in Noise Affecting Killer Whales

The speed of vessels operating near endangered killer whales in Washington is the most influential factor — more so than vessel size — in how much noise from the boats reaches the whales.
December 02, 2015 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
Digital acoustic recording tags temporarily attached to killer whales measured vessel noise reaching the whales. Photos taken under NOAA Fisheries and Department of Fisheries and Oceans research permit (No.781-1824 and 16163).

What Was Killing the Young Southern Right Whales? New Research Zeros In On A Suspect

New research suggests a connection between increasing right whale deaths and harmful algal blooms.
November 02, 2015 - News ,
West Coast
A right whale and calf seen from above

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Reveals Killer Whales in Striking Detail

Unmanned aerial vehicle allows scientists to study killer whale health and reproduction while also offering a glimpse into the family life of these social animals.
October 21, 2015 - Podcast ,
West Coast

Search For Rare And Critically Endangered North Pacific Right Whale Begins First Dedicated Survey In Gulf Of Alaska In More Than A Decade

A team of NOAA Fisheries scientists set out on a month-long research survey onboard the NOAA ship Reuben Lasker to try to locate the rare North Pacific right whale, possibly the most endangered marine mammal to visit U.S. waters.
August 10, 2015 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
NP_right_whale_A Kennedy_PRIEST2009_Bering Sea.jpg

Studying Killer Whales with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

A recently published journal article describes how scientists used UAV technology to get an entirely new view of a threatened population of killer whales.
July 24, 2015 - Feature Story ,
National
uav_killerwhale03.jpg