Fraser's Dolphin

Fraser's dolphins are found in deep, tropical waters worldwide. They are active swimmers and are usually found in groups of 10 to 100 individuals, but they sometimes travel in groups of up to 1,000.

Francis Fraser, a scientist from the British Museum, first described this species in 1956 based on a skull found on a beach in Borneo. It was not until 1971, however, that scientists first documented Fraser’s dolphins in the wild.

Fraser’s dolphins, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAA Fisheries and its partners are working to conserve Fraser’s dolphins and further our understanding of this species through research and conservation activities.

NOAA Fisheries estimates population size in its stock assessment reports.

While the worldwide population of Fraser's dolphins is unknown, scientists estimate that at least 100,000 to 289,000 Fraser’s dolphins live in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

To manage Fraser's dolphins in U.S. waters, we have divided them into three stocks: the Hawaiian stock, the northern Gulf of Mexico stock, and the western North Atlantic stock. Our scientists estimate that there are about 10,000 dolphins in the Hawaiian stock; the number of dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico and western North Atlantic stocks is unknown.

Fraser's dolphins are usually found in large, tight groups of 10 to 100 individuals, but they have sometimes been seen in groups of up to 1,000 individuals. They are also sometimes seen in mixed groups with related species such as false killer whales, melon-headed whales, Risso's dolphins, and short-finned pilot whales.

Fraser’s dolphins are aggressive and splashy swimmers creating a distinctive spray of water. Groups of individuals sometimes swim in long "chorus line” formations. Fraser's dolphins in some parts of the world are shy and hard to find, while those living in other area are friendly and curious when interacting with vessels.

Fraser's dolphins can dive up to 2,000 feet to feed on deep-sea fish, crustaceans (such as shrimp), and cephalopods (such as squid and octopus). They have 20 to 44 pairs of small, cone-shaped teeth to help them catch rey.

NOAA Fisheries is committed to the protection of Fraser’s dolphins. Targeted management actions taken to secure protections for these whales include:

• Overseeing marine mammal health and stranding response.
• Addressing ocean noise.
• Educating the public about Fraser’s dolphins and the threats they face.

Our research projects have discovered new aspects of Fraser’s dolphin biology, behavior, and ecology and help us better understand the challenges that all Fraser’s dolphins face. Our work includes:

• Stock assessments.
• Monitoring population abundance and distribution.

Fraser’s dolphins, like all marine mammals, are protected in the United States under the MMPA.

Fraser’s dolphins, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In the United States, NOAA Fisheries works to protect all stocks of Fraser’s dolphins.

Fraser's dolphins swimming in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Photo: NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center/Anne Douglass.

Overseeing Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response

We work with volunteer networks in all coastal states to respond to marine mammal strandings, including dolphins. When stranded animals are found alive, NOAA Fisheries and our partners assess the animal’s health. When stranded animals are found dead, our scientists work to understand and investigate the cause of death. Although the cause often remains unknown, scientists can sometimes identify strandings due to disease, harmful algal blooms, vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglements, pollution exposure, and ocean noise. Some strandings can serve as indicators of ocean health, giving insight into larger environmental issues that may also have implications for human health and welfare.

Learn more about the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program

Addressing Ocean Noise

Underwater noise threatens dolphin populations, interrupting their normal behavior and driving them away from areas important to their survival. Increasing evidence suggests that exposure to intense underwater sound in some settings may cause some dolphins to strand and ultimately die. NOAA Fisheries is investigating all aspects of acoustic communication and hearing in marine animals, as well as the effects of sound on whale behavior and hearing. In 2016, we issued technical guidance for assessing the effects of anthropogenic (human-caused) sound on marine mammals’ hearing.

Learn more about ocean noise

Educating the Public

NOAA Fisheries aims to increase public awareness and support for Fraser’s dolphin conservation through education, outreach, and public participation. We share information with the public about the status of Fraser’s dolphins, as well as our research and efforts to promote their recovery.

NOAA Fisheries conducts various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of Fraser’s dolphins. The results of this research are used to inform management decisions for this species.

Fraser's dolphins observed during the 2017 Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey. Photo: NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Bernardo Alps.

Stock Assessments

Determining the size of Fraser’s dolphin populations helps resource managers determine the success of conservation measures. Our scientists collect population information and present the data in annual stock assessment reports.

Monitoring Population Abundance and Distribution

Scientists observe Fraser’s dolphins to record their numbers and distribution. By comparing numbers collected over multiple years, scientists can look for trends—i.e., whether the population is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable during a given period.