Dolphins & Porpoises

Dolphins and porpoises are at the top of the food chain and play an important role in the overall balance of the marine environment. They belong to a group of marine mammals called cetaceans. 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. Numerous studies have explored the effects of noise and chemical pollution, habitat degradation, and changes in climate on these animals.

Dolphins and porpoises tend to be social and live in groups. They exhibit complex methods of communication and echolocation making squeaks, buzzes, whistles, and clicks that can be heard from miles away. They are also thought to communicate by slapping the water’s surface with their tails or bodies. They range in size from the small, critically endangered vaquita porpoise to the iconic killer whale—the largest member of the Delphinidae, or dolphin family.

All dolphins and porpoises are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Eight dolphins and porpoises are also listed as threatened or endangered in all or part of their range under the Endangered Species Act:

• Atlantic humpback dolphin
• Chinese River dolphin
• False killer whale
• Hector’s dolphin
• Indus River dolphin
• Killer whale
• Taiwanese humpback dolphin
• Vaquita

Together with our partners, we work to study, protect, and conserve these fascinating species and their habitats.