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26 items match your filter criteria.

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 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 swimming 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).

NOAA Fisheries to Review Critical Habitat for Rare Large Whale Species in Alaska

Agency announces a positive 90-day finding on a petition to expand North Pacific right whale critical habitat; seeks public comment.
July 11, 2022 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
A North Pacific right whale surfaces in the waters off Alaska. Credit: NOAA Fisheries A North Pacific right whale surfaces in the waters off Alaska. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Celebrate Whale Week with Us: A Message from Kim Damon-Randall, Director of NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources

Join us for a celebration of whales and the 50th anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
February 14, 2022 - Leadership Message ,
National
NorthPacificrightwhale_smudgy.jpg North Pacific right whale #87 also known as “Smudgy” interacts with a log floating on the water. There are only around 30 individuals in the eastern population, so to spot a North Pacific right whale is rare and to see one interacting with a log in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. NOAA Fisheries permit 782-1719.

New Photos May Be First Visual Evidence Of North Pacific Right Whales Feeding In Bering Sea In Winter

Collaborative effort with fishermen confirms sighting of two rare whales.
February 11, 2022 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
two north pacific right whales skimming the water surface Two North Pacific right whales photographed by Josh Trosvig, captain of the cod fishing vessel Cerulean

Top 21 Stories, Photos, and Videos of 2021

Check out our most popular features of 2021.
December 15, 2021 - Feature Story ,
National
A humpback whale tail fluke is visible above the water with mountains in the background. Humpback whale in Alaska. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (Permit #14245).

Signs of Hope For The World’s Most Endangered Great Whale Population

Discovery of a juvenile—named “Phoenix”—renews hope for survival of the endangered eastern North Pacific right whale population, currently at extremely high risk of extinction.
November 29, 2021 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Photo of a North Pacific right whale at the surface. North Pacific right whale. Credit: International Whaling Commission.

Four Endangered North Pacific Right Whales Spotted in the Gulf of Alaska

Biologists were able to collect valuable data on these rare animals during a special whale survey in August.
September 09, 2021 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Tail of one north Pacific right whale shown as it dives next to second whale with head above water.

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 image for 2020 whale week Finback whales. Credit: NOAA Fisheries