At first glance, dolphins and porpoises look similar. Taking a closer look, there are some general differences that distinguish these animals. See the common bottlenose dolphin (left) and harbor porpoise (right) pictured above.

Is It a Dolphin or a Porpoise?

5/9/2026 - By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. Dolphins and porpoises are both cetaceans, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Learn how to recognize a dolphin vs. a porpoise. Dolphins and porpoises, along with whales, belong to a group of marine mammals called “cetaceans.” Cetacean comes from the Latin word for “large… SEE MORE
California sea lion stricken by the neurotoxin domoic acid from a harmful algal bloom in Santa Barbara County, California. Photo: Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute

Toxic Algal Bloom Affecting California Sea Lions and Dolphins

8/17/2024 - By fisheries.noaa.gov. Upwelling of nutrient-laden ocean water is fueling the algal bloom which produces domoic acid, which can poison marine mammals. Strong upwelling of nutrient-laden water from the deep ocean is driving a bloom of harmful algae along the Southern California coast. It produces a toxin that can poison sea… SEE MORE
Beached Sperm Whales Norfolk by WikkiCommons.

You Can Help Save Beached Whales

9/17/2023 - By oceangrafixblog.wordpress.com About 2,000 dolphins and whales beach themselves each year, mostly resulting in death. But there is a lot you can do to help save them if you are a mariner. Locations and causes of beaching Whale beachings happen year-round, almost anywhere, and sometimes they can be very dramatic. Just a… SEE MORE