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.
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
Kiaʻi Kanaloa and Hui Hoʻoleimaluō members respond to a stranded palaoa (whale), a Kogia calf, on Hawaiʻi Island. Their efforts are part of a new and developing stranding response partnership with NOAA Fisheries. Credit: Kiaʻi Kanaloa (NOAA Fisheries Permit #24359)
Eastern North Pacific Right whale MML# 84 “Cuatro” (female) in the Bering Sea in August 2017. Credit: K. Matsuoka/International Whaling Commission and NOAA Fisheries
Alaska Stranding Network members examined a young, male humpback whale (2024097) on July 8, 2024 near Elfin Cove. Members included a veterinarian with Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services and a biologist with Glacier Bay National Park. Credit: Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services.
The entangled humpback whale slapping its tail minutes before it finally freed itself from fishing gear. Photo taken under NOAA MMHSRP Permit #24359.
Multimedia
A small fishing vessel near wind turbines. Credit: Bob Brewer on Unsplash
A Southern Resident killer whale leaps out of the water. Credit: Candace Emmons
Research
A density surface model describing the habitat of the Critically Endangered Rice’s whale Balaenoptera ricei in the Gulf of Mexico
This research characterizes habitat for endangered Rice’s whales based on oceanographic parameters…
Marine Mammal Acoustics
We record the sounds produced by marine mammals and study their behaviors, locations, population sizes, and potential threats.
Interesting Facts About North Pacific Right Whales
The right whale got its name from whalers who called it the "right" whale to hunt. Right whales made ideal prey because they swim slowly, can be close to the surface, produce a high yield of oil, and float after death. This made them easier to kill,…
Publications by Northeast Passive Acoustics Branch Staff
We regularly publish their findings in scientific journals and Center-produced documents.
Understanding Marine Mammal Protections
Learn how NOAA Fisheries protects all marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
