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
A pod of killer whales. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
The humpback whale was entangled in line. Credit: Metlakatla Indian Community Department of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA MMHSRP Permit No. 24359
A previously unidentified eastern North Pacific right whale spotted in September 2023. Credit: NOAA Fisheries and International Whaling Commission/ Bernardo Alps, WildSea Inc.
Multimedia
Humpback whales swimming underwater. Credit: Kogia.org
Pair of bottlenose dolphins. Credit: NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Lisa Morse.
Research
Geographic Distribution of the Cross Seamount Beaked Whale Based on Acoustic Detections
The foraging behavior of Cross Seamount beaked whales appears to be unique among all beaked whales.
Identifying Social Clusters of Endangered Main Hawaiian Islands False Killer Whales
In this study, we used photo-identification data over a 23 year period to reassess the number and…
Publications by Northeast Passive Acoustics Branch Staff
We 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.
Understanding Marine Mammal Protections
Learn how NOAA Fisheries protects all marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
