Cetaceans: Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises
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Overview
Cetaceans are relatively large, generally characterized by streamlined bodies that glide easily through the marine environment. Approximately 78 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises are included in the Order Cetacea.
Cetaceans are broken into two Suborders, or main groups:
- Mysticeti (baleen whales)
- Odontoceti (toothed whales)
There are 11 species of baleen whales and 67 species of toothed whales.
Status of Cetacean Species
All cetaceans are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA); some may be designated as "depleted" under the MMPA. Endangered and threatened cetaceans are further protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The table below includes cetaceans found in U.S. waters and endangered/threatened foreign species. Note: Species listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA are, by default, also considered "depleted" under the MMPA.
(E = "endangered"; P = "proposed"; D = "depleted"; C = "candidate"; S = "species of concern"; DL = "delisted"; F = "foreign")
Species | Status |
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E/D |
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E/D |
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D |
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E/D |
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E/D (F) |
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P-E |
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E/D |
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E/D (F) |
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DL |
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E/D (F) |
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E/D |
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E/D (F) |
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E/D |
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D |
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E/D |
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E/D |
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D |
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E/D |
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E/D (F) |
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E/D |
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D |
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Main factors for decline
Almost all species of baleen whales were exploited by the commercial whaling industry from the 1700s to the mid-1900s; most populations have not yet recovered. Currently, ship strikes pose a threat to many baleen whales, particularly the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Additionally, entanglement in various types of fishing gear is a primary threat to several species of cetaceans.
More Information:
- Kids' Whale Page
- Fisheries Interactions Program
- International Whaling Commission
- Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports
- NOAA Fisheries Northeast Region Protected Resources Division
- Proposed Strategy to Reduce Ship Strikes to Right Whales
- Right Whale Ship Strike Information
Updated: May 30, 2012