Scientists discover new species of porpoise in the Gulf of Mexico!

As reported by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, scientists from the University of Southern Mississippi and Louisiana State University have discovered a new species of porpoise in the Gulf of Mexico. This new porpoise is smaller than the common porpoise found in the area, and is believed to be a more primitive form of the species.

The discovery was made after scientists examined DNA samples from dozens of porpoises killed by fishermen. The new species has been named "Phocoena attenuata", or "thin-tailed" porpoise.

While little is known about P. attenuata at this time, scientists believe it may be more sensitive to environmental changes than other porpoises. It is also possible that this new species could play an important role in the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.

Further research is needed to determine the significance of this discovery, but it is already clear that P. attenuata is a unique and important part of our natural world.

Rare footage of a porpoise playing in the waves off the coast of California!

Porpoises are marine mammals that are closely related to dolphins. They inhabit all the world's oceans and seas, and can be found in coastal waters as well as the open ocean.

The porpoise is the smallest cetacean (a whale, dolphin or porpoise) and has a streamlined body with a snout that protrudes slightly beyond the upper lip. They reach a length of about 2-3 meters (6.5-10 ft) and weigh up to 80 kg (175 lb). Porpoises have a blunt head, small dorsal fin, triangular flippers and a curved tailstock.

Porpoises are shy animals that usually avoid contact with humans. They feed mainly on fish, squid and crustaceans.

Rare footage of a porpoise playing in the waves off the coast of California was recently captured by some surprised beach goers!

Porpoise added to the dictionary as new word for 2012!

The Oxford English Dictionary has announced that the porpoise is to be recognized as an official word of the English language. The OED defines porpoise as "a small whale-like mammal of the family Phocoenidae, typically inhabiting coastal waters." Porpoises are known for their playful behavior, acrobatics, and aerial leaps out of the water.

The new word was added to the dictionary in 2012 as part of their quarterly update, and joins other words such as "twerk" and "selfie" in gaining official recognition. Porpoise had been used informally for many years prior to its inclusion in the OED, but has now been enshrined as an official word in the English language.

Researchers baffled as large numbers of porpoises suddenly die off Pacific coast!

A recent spike in the number of porpoises dying along the Pacific Coast has researchers baffled, as they have no idea what is causing the sudden die-off.

Since early January, nearly 175 porpoises have been found dead from California to British Columbia. That's significantly higher than the average year, when only about 75 porpoises are found dead.

One theory is that a virus is responsible for the deaths, but researchers have yet to identify any specific virus or other cause.

"It's a mystery right now," said NOAA Fisheries marine mammal scientist Kristen Goetz. "We haven't seen anything like this before."

Porpoises are small cetaceans that typically weigh around 100 pounds and measure about five feet in length. They are preyed on by larger marine mammals such as sharks and seals, so their death is concerning for the entire ecosystem.

Researchers will continue to monitor the situation and try to determine what is causing the porpoise deaths. In the meantime, if you see a dead or dying porpoise, please do not touch it and contact local authorities.

Conservationists call for end to porpoise hunting after discovery of alarming population decline

The plight of the vaquita, a tiny porpoise found only in the Gulf of California, has conservationists demanding an end to hunting in the region. A new study released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) finds that the population of vaquitas has fallen by more than 90% in the past six years, from an estimated 567 animals in 2012 to just 60 today.

"This is a catastrophic decline and it shows that we are losing this species faster than we thought," said marine biologist Barbara Taylor, one of the study's authors.

Vaquitas are killed primarily as bycatch in fishing nets targeting shrimp and other marine life. To try to stem the tide of vaquita deaths, Mexico has banned gillnet fishing in a portion of the gulf where they live, but the measure has not been enough to save them.

Conservationists are now calling for a complete ban on all hunting in the region, including for sport and food. They argue that such a measure is necessary to save the vaquita from extinction.