Join us as we celebrate Whale Week, February 14-18, 2022! 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.
At NOAA Fisheries, we work to ensure the conservation and protection of all marine mammals. This Whale Week, explore whale science and conservation through the features and videos below.
Follow along on our NOAA Fisheries social media channels and stay tuned for more content throughout the week.
Tales of Whales: Whale Features
Celebrate Whale Week with Us: A Message from Kim Damon-Randall, Director of NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources
Join us for a celebration of whales and the 50th anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Read the leadership message
North Pacific right whale #87 also known as “Smudgy” interacts with a log floating on the water. There are only around 30 individuals in the eastern population, so to spot a North Pacific right whale is rare and to see one interacting with a log in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. NOAA Fisheries permit 782-1719.
Whales and Climate Change: Big Risks to the Ocean's Biggest Species
Climate change is impacting ocean ecosystems and resulting in many challenges for a variety of marine species, including whales.
How climate change is affecting different whale species
Group of beluga whales, including a mother-calf pair in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (NMFS MMPA/ESA permit 20465).
Fishermen Share Photos And Video Of Endangered North Pacific Right Whales Feeding In Alaska
Collaborative effort confirms two rare North Pacific right whales were among a large group of feeding whales.
Fishermen share photos and video of endangered North Pacific right whales feeding
Two North Pacific right whales photographed by Josh Trosvig, captain of the cod the fishing vessel Cerulean
Encountering Giants: Inspiring Moments with Whales
Whales astonish us. Witnessing their behaviors has inspired careers in marine biology and energized action for ocean conservation. Many NOAA Fisheries scientists have had unique opportunities to spend time on and in the ocean, studying marine mammals like whales in their habitats. To celebrate Whale Week, we asked our staff to recall a favorite moment with these incredible and majestic creatures.
Explore our scientists' inspiring moments with whales
Humpback whale under rainbow. Credit: Shutterstock
Podcast: Checking In On Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales
Learn the latest on endangered Southern Resident killer whales with Dr. Megan Wallen, a marine mammal specialist in NOAA Fisheries West Coast Protected Resources Division.
Southern Resident killer whales encountered during NOAA's PODs (Pacific Orcinus Distribution Survey) in October 2021 near the west end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Video: Wondrous Whales
Love whales like we do? Check out these of our wonderful and various species of whales in the United States.
Wondrous Whales
For Whale Week: Celebrate our wonderful and various species of whales in the U.S.
Video: Lose the Rope, Give Whales Hope
Ropeless or on-demand technologies offer a potential solution for whales and other protected species that can become entangled in traditional lobster traps and crab pots. Find out what ropeless is all about from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center gear research team!
NEFSC Gear Research Series: Lose the Rope, Give Whales Hope
Ropeless or on-demand technologies offer a potential solution for whales and other protected species that can become entangled in traditional lobster traps and crab pots. Find out what ropeless is all about from the NEFSC gear research team!
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Go Slow—Whales Below
You can help save endangered North Atlantic right whales by slowing down to 10 knots or less in waters where they are likely present.
Go Slow—Whales Below
North Atlantic right whale mother and calf. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Signs of Hope for the World’s Most Endangered Great Whale Population
Discovery of a juvenile—named “Phoenix”—renews hope for survival of the critically endangered eastern North Pacific right whale population.
Learn more about the newly discovered juvenile North Pacific right whale
North Pacific right whale. Credit: International Whaling Commission.
Whales: Did You Know?
11 Facts about Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises
Marine mammals in the cetacean family include whales, dolphins, and porpoises. These animals are often referred to as “sentinels” of ocean health, providing insight into marine ecosystem dynamics.
Cool facts about cetaceans
Finback whales. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
10 Wonderful Whale Facts
How much do you know about different species of whales? As we celebrate Whale Week, take a look at some interesting tidbits and see if you learn something new about these majestic creatures.
Check out 10 wonderful whale facts
