The NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center’s Cetacean Research Program has been studying whales and dolphins in the Marianas since 2010. We conducted surveys from ships in 2010, 2015, and 2018, and from small boats in 2010–2019.
Using molecular genetic tools and techniques to study marine mammals and gather information essential for their successful conservation and management in the Southeast Region.
During 2018, there were 19 reports of cetaceans with human-caused injuries, including 4 humpback whales involved in vessel collisions, 11 humpback whales entangled in presumed fishing gear or marine debris and 4 other cetaceans with human-caused injuries.
In 2000, Samuels et al. provided a comprehensive review of the scientific literature available at the time, which
included 107 references related to the effects “swim-with dolphin” tours have on animals’ health and behavior.
Over the last fifteen years, opportunities to view marine mammals in the wild have increased through commercial
and private vessel-based platforms, in water “swim-with” activities, and land-based observation stations.
