Whales are among the largest and oldest animals on Earth. They can be found in every ocean and range in size from the small dwarf sperm whale to the massive blue whale, the largest animal on the planet. Whales belong to a group of marine mammals called cetaceans. Marine mammals in the cetacean family include whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

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Close up image of baleen sheets from a whale's mouth
Baleen is a filter-feeding system inside the mouths of baleen whales.

There are two types of cetaceans: baleen and toothed. Baleen whales, or Mysticetes, have baleen plates which sieve prey, like krill, from the water. Toothed whales, or Odontocetes, have teeth and feed on fish, squid, and other marine mammals such as seals and sea lions.

Together with our partners, we work to ensure the conservation of whales which are all protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and protect and recover those that are listed under the Endangered Species Act.


Species News

500x500_Humpback_fluke_WDC.jpg Fluke of a humpback whale. Credit: Whale and Dolphin Conservation
World Vets veterinarians use crowder boards and a transfer cage to capture a sick and emaciated California sea lion for a medical evaluation on the Washington coast. World Vets veterinarians use crowder boards and a transfer cage to capture a sick and emaciated California sea lion for a medical evaluation on the Washington coast. Credit: World Vets/Cathy King
a North Atlantic right whale and it's baby during calving swimming in ocean along the surface. North Atlantic right whale “Medusa” and calf. Credit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (NOAA permit 20556-01)

Multimedia

Two humpback whales swimming underwater. The water is very blue, and the surface is visible just above their heads. Humpback whales swimming underwater. Credit: Kogia.org
Pair of bottlenose dolphins Pair of bottlenose dolphins. Credit: NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Lisa Morse.

Research

Peer-Reviewed Research

Publications by Northeast Passive Acoustic Research Staff

Our staff regularly publish their findings in scientific journals and Center-produced documents.

Passive Acoustic Research at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center

The Passive Acoustic Ecology Program conducts a variety of research projects that use passive acoustics to assess populations and improve our understanding of cetaceans in the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. waters of the Western Atlantic.

Passive Acoustic Technologies Used at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center

Researchers use advanced technology to record and study the sounds produced by marine mammals and human-made sources.

Passive Acoustic Research in the Atlantic Ocean

Marine mammals and many fish produce and receive sound in the ocean. In an environment where vision is limited, hearing is one of the most important senses. These animals rely on sound for navigating, socializing, establishing dominance, attracting…

Understanding Marine Mammal Protections

Learn how NOAA Fisheries protects all marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Pod of killer whales.