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Marine Mammal Life History

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

West Coast
Image
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