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Cold Snaps and Stunned Sea Turtles

Learn how NOAA cares for cold-stunned sea turtles.
June 12, 2026 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Sea turtle in green water.

50 Years of Environmental Data Can Predict Health and Strandings of Sea Lions Pups in California

Scientists use decades of research to make connections between environmental conditions and malnourished sea lions pups along the California coast.
March 27, 2026 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
A California sea lion mother rests on a sandy beach with her head up, eyes closed, and standing on her flippers, while her pup lies across her belly. Behind her are more sea lions and the water's edge. A California sea lion with her pup on the beach at San Miguel Island. Photo taken under NOAA Fisheries Permit #16087. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Northern Fur Seal Deaths on St. George Island, Alaska, Linked to Harmful Algal Bloom

Research confirms saxitoxin poisoning in seals and the presence of harmful algal species.
February 17, 2026 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
view of island community with seal statue in foreground St. George Island. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

2024 Report of Marine Mammal Strandings in the United States

This report details marine mammal stranding rates, trends, and activities in the United States for 2024. In 2024, there were 8,028 confirmed marine mammal strandings in the United States.
February 17, 2026 - Feature Story ,
National
A man stands with a herding board next to a kennel watching four California sea lions move across a sandy beach heading towards water. California sea lion pups are released at Cabrillo Beach following rehabilitation at the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, California. Credit: Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles.

Snow Crab Collapse Linked to Energetic Limitations During a Marine Heatwave

New study provides critical insights into the Bering Sea snow crab population collapse in 2018–2019, offers hope for recovery, and provides a new tool for fisheries management.
December 05, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
On the back deck of a fisheries survey vessel, two adult snow crabs on top of a blue plastic tote. Snow crabs sampled during the 2024 eastern Bering Sea bottom trawl survey. Credit: NOAA Fisheries / Erin Fedewa

Dead Sperm Whale Washes Ashore on Nantucket

First report of a dead sperm whale on Nantucket, Massachusetts, since 2002.
November 28, 2025 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
A dead sperm whale washes ashore on Nantucket. Team members attach a solar-powered satellite tag to the dead sperm whale, while lines secure it onshore for examination. Credit: Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket. NOAA Permit #24359

Experts Euthanize Oregon Humpback Whale After Unsuccessful Attempt to Free it from Beach

A young humpback whale stranded on the Oregon Coast north of Yachats on November 15, prompting a response of trained teams from across the West Coast through the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
November 18, 2025 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
Four people in rain gear stand on a beach next to a whale with barnacles on its skin and a piece of rope coming out of its mouth. A truck and houses are visible on the shoreline in the background. A young humpback whale stranded on the Oregon Coast north of Yachats on November 15, prompting a response of trained teams from across the West Coast through the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The whale was entangled when it first came ashore, but many of the lines were later cut away, leaving a short length jutting from the animal's mouth. Credit: West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network

NOAA Announces Confirmed U.S. Large Whale Entanglement Numbers for 2024

There were 95 large whale entanglement cases documented in 2024—an increase from 2023 and higher than the historical average.
September 18, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
A trained and authorized responder stands on the bow of a boat and uses a specialized knife on a very long pole to attempt to remove an entanglement wrapped around a humpback whale’s body Credit: NOAA/Maria Harvey

Humpback Whale Calf Washes Ashore Near Juneau

Community members gather for a rare, up-close view of the young marine mammal before it is relocated south of town. A necropsy team is seeking answers on the cause of death.
August 21, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
humpback whale calf washed ashore near Juneau An aerial view of the stranded humpback whale calf in Gastineau Channel with a buoy and line attached to it by the response team. Credit: Seth Bartusek, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, taken under NOAA Permit # 24359.

2022 and 2023 Combined Report of Marine Mammal Strandings in the United States

This report details marine mammal stranding rates, trends, and activities in the United States for both 2022 and 2023. In 2022, there were 6,061 confirmed marine mammal strandings; in 2023, there were 6,648.
July 31, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
A minke whale carcass lies on a rocky beach. There are several lines to secure it in place while responders take measurements and samples. A complete necropsy of a minke whale on Blakely Island, Washington. The necropsy revealed injuries—including severe bruising and broken ribs and vertebrae—consistent with a vessel strike. Credit: The Whale Museum