Learn more about ocean noise. We work with volunteer networks in all coastal states to respond to marine mammal strandings including all dolphins and porpoises. When stranded animals are found dead, our scientists work to understand and investigate the cause of death. Although the cause often remains unknown, scientists can sometimes attribute strandings to disease, harmful algal blooms, vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglements, pollution exposure, and underwater noise.
Some strandings can serve as indicators of ocean health, giving insight into larger environmental issues that may also have implications for human health and welfare.
Pacific white-sided dolphins have never been part of a declared unusual mortality event. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act , an unusual mortality event is defined as "a stranding that is unexpected; involves a significant die-off of any marine mammal population; and demands immediate response. Get information on active and past UMEs. Get an overview of marine mammal UMEs. Before the United Nations issued a moratorium that banned large-scale drift nets in , Japanese fisheries often captured Pacific white-sided dolphins.
This species is now no longer commercially hunted in the United States, though some Pacific white-sided dolphins are still harvested for food in Japan's coastal fisheries. In addition to other requirements, the AIDCP's main objective is to reduce incidental dolphin mortalities in the tuna purse-seine fishery. NOAA Fisheries conducts research on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the Pacific white-sided dolphin.
The results of this research are used to inform management decisions and conservation efforts for this species and other marine life. Determining the size of Pacific white-sided dolphin populations helps resource managers determine the success of our conservation measures. NOAA Fisheries scientists collect population information from various sources and present the data in an annual stock assessment report. Scientists use small aircraft and research vessels to spot Pacific white-sided dolphins and photograph them to identify individuals and record their seasonal distribution.
This research can be used to inform management actions that protect the Pacific white-sided dolphin. A review of sighting reports and bycatch data from the Bering Sea suggests Pacific white-sided dolphin presence is not rare, occurs year-round, extends farther north than shown on current range maps, and that site-fidelity may occur in areas near and within Bristol Bay.
NOAA Fisheries scientists conduct guided research projects to answer questions about a particular ecosystem or ecology. For example, the Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program conducts studies to assess the status of cetaceans in Alaskan waters under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which includes the Pacific white-sided dolphin. The program uses the results of stock assessments, surveys, and studies to provide the scientific advice necessary to manage cetaceans in Alaskan waters.
Other research focuses on the acoustic environment of cetaceans, including the Pacific white-sided dolphin. Acoustics is the science of how sound is transmitted. This research involves increasing our understanding of the basic acoustic behavior of whales, dolphins, and fish; mapping the acoustic environment; and developing better methods to locate cetaceans using autonomous gliders and passive acoustic arrays. Learn more about acoustic science. This report is the status review for Cantharellus noumeae, Siderastrea glynni and Tubastraea….
This sign is often posted near boat ramps, piers, docks, marinas, and waterfront parks. Pacific White-Sided Dolphin Lagenorhynchus obliquidens.
Throughout Its Range. MMPA Protected. Quick Facts Weight. Entanglement in fishing gear, Ocean noise. Alaska, West Coast. See Regulatory Actions. Pacific White-Sided Dolphin. Interactions with Fishing Gear One of the main threats to the Pacific white-sided dolphin is entanglement in fishing gear.
Ocean Noise Low-frequency underwater noise pollution can interrupt the normal behavior of Pacific white-sided dolphins. Our work supports the protection and conservation of Pacific white-sided dolphins by: Reducing interactions with commercial fishing gear Minimizing the effects of vessel disturbance, noise, and other types of human impacts Responding to dead, injured, or entangled dolphins.
Science NOAA Fisheries conducts research on the biology, behavior, and ecology of Pacific white-sided dolphins to better inform management and policy. How You Can Help. Don't Feed Wild Dolphins. Dall's porpoise is the most commonly seen porpoise, usually traveling in groups of two to 20 animals. These porpoises rival killer whales as the fastest creatures in Alaska waters.
Avid bow riders, they will readily approach and accompany boats, breaking the surface with a splash but rarely showing more than their backs. Their black back and white belly and flank resemble the markings of the killer whale, but they are much smaller, averaging about six feet in length and weighing about pounds.
Harbor porpoises are dark gray or dark brown, with a noticeably smaller dorsal fin than Dall's porpoises. They are often described as shy, but it is more appropriate to say they are indifferent to boats and human activities.
They do not bow ride. Fairly common in Southeast waters, they are most often seen feeding, their round backs gently breaking the surface with a rolling, dipping profile. Averaging about pounds, the harbor porpoise is less than half the weight of the Dall's porpoise and is the smallest cetacean in Alaska. In the Kenai Fjords National Park region, Humpback, orca killer whale , fin whale and gray whales are the most commonly sighted species.
However, for the lucky adventurers, blue, sperm and minke whales can also make an appearance in other regions of Alaska. Gray whales are the first to arrive, typically in April when they're often spotted off of Seward. By May, we start to see more orcas, then humpback whales come June. This is especially true during the prime summer season.
One of the most reliable spots for successful whale watching is Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park, near the bustling port of Seward. Boasting a rich marine ecosystem, the stunning protected bay offers exceptional whale watching. The area is also home to otters, harbor seals, Stellar sea lions, bears, puffins and bald eagles. In peak season the mysterious giants can often be sighted from shore. A boat cruise will put you directly into whale territory.
Think ancient glaciers, towering rainforests and wildlife galore. Sadly, the answer to this question is yes. That includes sperm whales, North Pacific Right whales, blue whales and finback whales. Thankfully there is also growing awareness around marine conservation and the importance of employing sustainable practices. Migration is the primary reason whales are so prevalent off the coast of Alaska during the summer.
Most species are journeying back home after spending the winter months in the warmer waters off of Hawaii, Baja California, Mexico and Central America. What a whale eats is dependent on the species.
0コメント