Skip to main content
Unsupported Browser Detected

Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Marine Mammal Life History

Data collected from stranded and bycaught marine mammals are critical to understanding their life history

West Coast
Ovaries are examined to study reproduction in dolphins. Sexually immature dolphins have smooth ovaries (left) while those of mature dolphins have visible scars of ovulation (middle) or occasionally a corpus luteum, which is a large gland that secretes hormones during pregnancy (right).
Ovaries are examined to study reproduction in dolphins. Sexually immature dolphins have smooth ovaries (left) while those of mature dolphins have visible scars of ovulation (middle) or occasionally a corpus luteum, which is a large gland that secretes hormones during pregnancy (right). Photo credit: Morgan Lynn/NOAA Fisheries.

Life history studies describe the reproductive and survival characteristics of a species, including

  • how long individuals live
  • the age at which they become sexually mature and first reproduce
  • how often they breed
  • how long they nurse their young
  • where they forage
  • what they eat

Combining this data for many individuals of a species enables us to understand the lives of marine mammals and their growth rate potential, which is a critical factor in developing plans for effective management and conservation.  Current life history studies at SWFSC are focused on short-beaked common dolphins, long-beaked common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins that live offshore of California.

Last updated by Southwest Fisheries Science Center on 07/01/2021

Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program Marine Mammal Strandings National Stranding Network

More On This Topic

Aerial view of the Nisqually River Basin at sunset Tidal wetlands in the Nisqually River Basin, where restored habitat fosters growth of juvenile salmon and steelhead on their way to the ocean.
Leadership Message

Collaboration Offers the Best Hope for Lasting Puget Sound Salmon Solution

West Coast
<span>Celebrating Women on the Water on the West Coast </span> Featured Image
News

Celebrating Women on the Water on the West Coast

West Coast
A NOAA aerial survey crew gathers in front of a NOAA Twin Otter aircraft during a stop in Astoria, Oregon. A NOAA aerial survey crew gathers in front of a NOAA Twin Otter aircraft during a stop in Astoria, Oregon in 2014. From left: Lt. Michael Sandor Silagi, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; Joel Schumacher, Scott Benson, and Tomoharu Eguchi, Southwest Fisheries Science Center; Camryn Allen, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center; Dan Prosperi, Southwest Fisheries Science Center; and Lt. Shanae Coker, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
Leadership Message

Long-Term Coastal Surveys Reveal Marine Success Stories and Tough Challenges

West Coast
Sacramento Winter-Run Chinook Salmon
Video

Species in the Spotlight: Sacramento Winter-Run Chinook Salmon

West Coast
National