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
An endangered Southern Resident killer whale off the coast of Washington. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Northwest Fisheries Science Center
A stranded Pacific harbor seal pup is examined at World Vets marine mammal urgent care clinic in Gig Harbor, Washington, 2020.
Two North Atlantic right whales, 2018. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Tim Cole
Research
Marine Mammal Research Surveys in NOAA’s Southeast Region
How survey data is collected and used to inform marine mammal population assessments in the Southeast.
Marine Mammal Life History
Data collected from stranded and bycaught marine mammals are critical to understanding their life history
Understanding Marine Mammal Protections
Learn how NOAA Fisheries protects all marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
