News and Announcements | NOAA Fisheries

Whale Week: Celebrating the Wonder of Whales

Celebrate Whale Week 2024 with us! Discover NOAA's work to study, recover, and conserve these magnificent marine mammals.

February 12, 2024 - Feature Story ,

National

Graphic for Whale Week featuring illustrations of long-finned pilot whale, sperm whale, beluga whale, and North Atlantic right whale

Women Who Help Entangled Whales

Large whale entanglement has been a predominantly male field, but a growing cadre of experienced and skilled women has strengthened and diversified the response teams.

July 10, 2023 - Feature Story ,

West Coast

Kathi George aboard an inflatable boat tossing a hook into the water.

Kathi George participating in whale disentanglement training. Credit: Bill Hunnewell/The Marine Mammal Center

NOAA Scientists Collecting Information to Restore Marine Mammals and Seabirds in the Gulf of Mexico

A survey to update information on abundance and distribution to restore marine mammal and seabird populations in the Gulf of Mexico.

June 23, 2023 - Feature Story ,

Southeast

2 pilot whales swim at the ocean surface with dorsal fins exposed, a large white ship is seen on the horizon

Pilot whales surface near the NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Melody Baran (Permit # 14450)

How to Safely Operate Your Vessel Around Whales

See a spout? Watch out! Learn helpful tips to stay safe when sharing waters with whales in the Atlantic.

May 31, 2023 - Feature Story ,

New England/Mid-Atlantic

A whale breaching the surface to breathe. Credit: Whale and Dolphin Conservation

Celebrate Whale Week with Us: A Message from Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator of NOAA Fisheries

Join us for a celebration of whales and the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act as we reflect on the past 50 years and look to the future.

April 24, 2023 - Leadership Message ,

National

A Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whale just under the surface of the water. Photo: NOAA Fisheries NMFS ESA/MMPA Permit No. 21938.

A Rice’s whale just under the surface of the water in the Gulf of Mexico. This endangered whale was recognized as a separate species from the Bryde’s whale in 2021. Credit: NOAA Fisheries under NOAA Permit No. 21938.

50 Years of Protecting Marine Mammals

A look at the Marine Mammal Protection Act's many advancements and accomplishments in the last 50 years.

February 02, 2023 - Podcast ,

National

Pair of bottlenose dolphins. Credit: NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Lisa Morse.

Celebrating 50 Years of the Marine Mammal Protection Act

NOAA Fisheries marks 50 years of marine mammal science, conservation, and recovery under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

July 30, 2022 - Feature Story ,

Alaska

New England/Mid-Atlantic

Pacific Islands

Southeast

West Coast

National

Gray whales were nearly hunted to extinction by commercial whaling. Protections under the MMPA, ESA, and the end of commercial whaling have allowed the species to recover. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (Permit #19091).

11 Cool Facts About Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises

Did you know these marine mammals are part of the cetacean family? Check out these facts to learn more.

February 16, 2021 - Feature Story ,

Alaska

New England/Mid-Atlantic

Pacific Islands

Southeast

West Coast

National

Finback whales. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

New Species of Baleen Whale in the Gulf of Mexico

NOAA Fisheries announces scientific research paper that describes a new species of baleen whale in the Gulf of Mexico.

January 22, 2021 - Feature Story ,

Southeast

NOAA Fisheries is Pleased to Announce a New Scientific Research Paper that Describes a New Species of Baleen Whale in the Gulf of Mexico

NOAA Lists Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s Whales as Endangered

Critically low population estimated at less than 100 individuals.

April 09, 2019 - Feature Story ,

Southeast

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