Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin

Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin

Lagenorhynchus acutus

Atlantic white-sided dolphin illustration

Protected Status

CITES Appendix II
Throughout Its Range
MMPA Protected
Throughout Its Range

Quick Facts

Weight
400 to 500 pounds
Lifespan
About 25 years
Length
Up to 9 feet
Threats
Entanglement, Ocean Noise
Location
New England/Mid-Atlantic, Southeast
See Regulatory Actions
A group of Atlantic white-sided dolphins swimming in the ocean.

About the Species

Atlantic white-sided dolphins are found in the temperate waters of the North Atlantic. In the United States, they are found off the coast of North Carolina to Maine. They are named after their distinctive yellowish-tan streak on their sides.

Atlantic white-sided dolphins, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

NOAA Fisheries is committed to conserving and protecting Atlantic white-sided dolphins. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study, learn more about, and protect this species.

Protected Status

CITES Appendix II

  • Throughout Its Range

MMPA Protected

  • Throughout Its Range

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Cetartiodactyla
Family Delphinidae
Genus Lagenorhynchus
Species acutus

Management Overview

Like all marine mammals, Atlantic white-sided dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAA Fisheries is working to conserve this species to ensure populations remain stable.