Porpoises Found off the Coast of Maine!

For the first time in recent history, porpoises have been spotted off the coast of Maine. This is an exciting discovery for marine biologists and researchers, as little is known about these creatures and their behavior.

The sighting was made by a team from the University of New England, who were conducting a research cruise as part of their Marine Mammal course. They observed four porpoises swimming in formation just off the coast of Cape Elizabeth.

Porpoises are small cetaceans (marine mammals) that are distantly related to whales and dolphins. They are usually found in temperate and tropical waters, but there have been occasional sightings in more northern climes.

Little is known about their behavior or ecology, as they are so difficult to study in the wild. Porpoises are shy and secretive creatures, and they often surface quickly and then disappear into the depths again. They have also been known to strand themselves onshore, which makes them vulnerable to dying from dehydration or being attacked by predators.

This latest sighting is providing marine biologists with a valuable opportunity to learn more about these elusive creatures. The UNE team will be studying the behavior of the porpoises, as well as their diet and habitat preferences. They will also be attempting to satellite tag one or two of the animals in order to track their movements over a period of time.

The discovery of porpoises off the coast of Maine is exciting news for marine biologists and researchers alike. It provides us with an opportunity to learn more about these elusive creatures, and potentially shed some light on their mysterious behavior.

Porpoises Spotted in San Diego!

On November 5th, 2017, a pod of porpoises was spotted in San Diego's harbor. This is an exciting sighting for local marine enthusiasts, as porpoises are not commonly seen in these waters.

Porpoises are small cetaceans that closely resemble dolphins. They are usually found in coastal waters and can be identified by their triangular dorsal fins and stubby beaks. These creatures are shy and elusive, so it is rare to see them swimming in open water.

In San Diego, porpoises have been spotted near Point Loma, the Coronado Cays, and Shelter Island. It is unclear why they have shown up in these areas, but it is possible that they are following schools of fish.

sightings of porpoises in San Diego are a cause for celebration among marine biologists and whale watchers alike. These animals are an important part of the ecosystem, and their presence indicates that the harbor is healthy and thriving.

Porpoises Seen in Puget Sound!

Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound area are alive with the sound of porpoises! Marine enthusiasts and whale watchers have been thrilled by the recent upsurge in sightings of these playful sea creatures.

The most common sighting is of a solitary porpoise, but occasionally groups numbering up to ten or more can be seen breaching and swimming close to shore. Porpoises are typically gray or black in color with white markings on their underside, making them easy to spot against the dark water.

Despite their small size - they typically grow to no more than six feet in length - porpoises are powerful swimmers and can easily keep up with boats. They are also one of the few cetaceans (marine mammals) that can breathe air, making them less reliant on oxygen-rich water. This trait has earned them the nickname "the rats of the sea."

Marine biologists believe that the increase in sightings is due to a population rebound for porpoises in Puget Sound. The animals were once hunted extensively for their meat and blubber, but since being listed as a protected species their numbers have slowly grown.

So next time you're out on the water in Seattle, keep an eye out for these charming little creatures!

Rare Porpoise Seen Near Catalina Island!

On October 2nd, 2019, a rare porpoise was seen near Catalina Island!

The porpoise, which was identified as a vaquita marina, is the smallest and most endangered of the cetaceans. There are only about 30 vaquitas remaining in the wild, and they are threatened by fishing gear that entangles them and by drownings in gillnets.

The sighting of this vaquita was a welcome surprise for researchers and conservationists who are working to save the species. It is hoped that this sighting will help to raise awareness about the plight of the vaquita and inspire people to take action to protect them.

The vaquita is a shy creature that usually avoids contact with humans. They live in shallow coastal waters in Mexico and their numbers have been declining for many years due to poaching and habitat loss.

There are efforts underway to protect the vaquita, including a ban on gillnet fishing in their range. However, these measures have not been enough to stop their decline. If we want to save this endangered species, we need to do more to address the root causes of their decline.

We can all help by spreading awareness about the plight of the vaquita and by supporting initiatives that aim to protect them. Let's work together to save this beautiful creature before it's too late!

Large Group of Porpoises Seen Swimming Together in Monterey Bay!

There's a lot of wildlife to be found in and around the Monterey Bay, but it's not every day that you see a large group of porpoises swimming together. On Tuesday morning, May 8th, a group of about 25 porpoises were observed just south of Lovers Point in Pacific Grove.

They were seen close to shore and appeared to be feeding on small fish in the area. This sighting is a reminder that there is always something special to see in the Monterey Bay!