Dall’s porpoises are usually found in groups averaging between two and 12 individuals, but they have been occasionally seen in larger, loosely associated groups in the hundreds or even thousands of animals. Exceptions include nearer shore year-round populations in Japan, the Kamchatka Peninsula, Puget Sound, British Columbia, the Aleutians, and Alaska’s inside waters, such as the cooler, glacier fed waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. They are very active and incredibly fast - reaching swimming speeds of 34 miles per hour (54 km/h). Dall, an American naturalist who collected the first specimen of this species (Reeves et al. Observe all dolphins and porpoises from a safe distance of at least 50 yards and limit your time spent observing to 30 minutes or less. Dall’s Porpoise Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology. Habitat alteration, We regularly share information with the public about the status of Dall’s porpoises, as well as our research and efforts to maintain their populations. Learn more about our marine life viewing guidelines >. Dive times are short at 2-4 minutes. Dall's Porpoise in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Their coloration is very dark gray or black with contrasting white markings on the dorsal fin and tail that distinguish Dall’s porpoises from other cetaceans. A special characteristic of Dall’s porpoises is their distinctive color pattern: a black body with a conspicuous white lateral patch on the left, right, and underside. Range and Habitat The Dall’s porpoise is found only in the north Pacific Ocean, with its southernmost boundary being the waters off southern California. Education, Outreach and Wildlife Interpretation: Every successful conservation initiative begins with public awareness. Usually found in groups of 2-10, though oceanic populations can be found in larger numbers. Dall's porpoise inhabits offshore, inshore, and nearshore waters of North Pacific Ocean, including the Bering Sea, Sea of Japan as well as Okhotsk Sea. Dall's porpoises are known to migrate, travelling north in summer and moving to south by winter. When preying, these whales are able to dive at a depth of up to 1640 feet (500 m). Educating the public about Dall’s porpoises and the threats they face. Though they do occur coastally in some regions, Dall’s porpoise are primarily an oceanic species. Copper River Delta Carcass Surveys: Annual Reports, Acoustic Studies Sound Board of Marine Mammals in Alaska, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal, Learn more about our conservation efforts, NOAA Office of Law Enforcement field office, Incidental Take Authorization: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Marine Geophysical Survey in the Aleutian Islands, Finding of No Significant Impact (pdf, 14 pages), Incidental Take Authorization: Washington Department of Transportation Seattle Multimodal Project, Seattle, Washington (Season 4- 2020), Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan (pdf, 11 pages), Incidental Take Authorization: Washington Department of Transportation Mukilteo Multimodal Project, Puget Sound, Washington (Season 4- 2020), Incidental Take Authorization: Sentinel Island Moorage Float Project, Juneau, Alaska. Each jaw of this animal holds 36 - 56 teeth that are very small and spade-shaped, allowing strong grasp. The latter is small and triangular, and can angle forward. Dall’s porpoise calves are born in mid-summer after a 12 month gestation period. The teeth of these animals are spade-shaped as opposed to dolphin teeth, which are conical-shaped. Dall's porpoise in Alaska. NOAA Fisheries aims to increase public awareness and support for Dall’s porpoise conservation through education, outreach, and public participation. Males of this porpoise are larger and more robust than females. One of the main threats to Dall’s porpoises is becoming entangled or captured in commercial fishing gear such as drift nets, gillnets, and trawls. The decrease in sightings beyond the peak at 500–1000 m supports the view that Dall's porpoise is primarily a continental shelf and slope species (Jefferson, 2012), and a shallow water habitat may be advantageous for feeding because of abundant prey species. Threats they face are often found bow riding on boats day, 7 days a week for anyone in dall's porpoise habitat! 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