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
Multimedia
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…
Passive Acoustic Technologies
We record sounds in the ocean to learn about marine mammals and other ocean species, working with partners around the globe.
Publications by Northeast Passive Acoustics Branch Staff
We regularly publish their findings in scientific journals and Center-produced documents.
Cetacean Genomes Project Team
Meet the scientists of the "Cetacean Genomes Project" which aims to facilitate generation of reference genomes of all cetacean species.
Understanding Marine Mammal Protections
Learn how NOAA Fisheries protects all marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.