Whale Week: Celebrating the Wonder of Whales

Join us in celebrating Whale Week, February 9-15, 2026! Whales are among the largest and oldest animals on Earth. They can be found in every ocean and range in size from the small dwarf sperm whale to the massive blue whale , the largest animal on the planet.

At NOAA Fisheries, we work to ensure the conservation and protection of all marine mammals. This Whale Week, explore whale science and conservation through the features and videos below.

Follow along on our NOAA Fisheries social media channels and stay tuned for more content throughout the week.

Whale Week Feature Stories

NOAA Fisheries Launches Underwater Glider Challenge in Hawai'i

NOAA Fisheries is leading a major effort to evaluate how next-generation ocean gliders can transform ocean monitoring and whale conservation, while also benefitting U.S. fishermen and ocean industries.

Learn how we listen for whales with underwater gliders

Detecting Whales from Space: Geospatial Artificial Intelligence For Animals

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center is breaking new ground in the detection of marine mammals, including whales. With partners, our scientists are developing a way to spot whales in very high-resolution satellite imagery, using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing.

Learn how we use satellites and artificial intelligence to detect whales

First Joint NOAA Killer Whale Survey Examines Endangered Southern Residents' Shift to Coast

NOAA Fisheries and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary combined forces in a September survey of endangered Southern Resident killer whales. The survey sought to unravel what is behind the whales' shift to the more remote coastal waters.

Explore new insights on the range of killer whales

Collecting Whale "Snot," and Other High-Tech Ways to Assess Endangered Whale Health

Understanding how different stressors influence whale health can make species conservation actions more precise and effective. But studying whale health is uniquely challenging, because they are highly mobile and spend most of their life underwater. Methods include flying drones to capture high-resolution images of individuals and to collect samples of blow (i.e., whale breath or "snot").

Learn how scientists are upgrading their methods of studying whale health

A Day in the Life of a Scientist Tagging Sperm Whales

A team at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center spent the summer studying the demographics and foraging behavior of sperm whales. The data collected during this survey gives a window into what these deep-diving giants are doing when they dive into the abyss.

Follow along with our whale scientists on a day at sea

Conserving Long-Lived Species: The Importance of Monitoring Decades-Old Individuals

Conservation of long-lived species like whales requires continued monitoring of individuals. Meet some of the animals that have been known to scientists for decades.

Get to know killer whale "Sequim" and right whale "Pediddle"

Whale Week Videos and Podcasts

Video: What Does it Mean to Have Whale Sense?

Watching whales in their natural habitat is an incredible experience-but it must be done in a way that doesn't disturb or harm them. Learn how to find a whale watching company that is committed to safe and respectful whale-watching practices.

Learn more about Whale SENSE

Video: Wondrous Whales

Check out the various species of whales in the United States.

See more whale videos

Podcast: Gray Whales on the Rebound: Signs of Hope Despite Challenges

California's gray whales are an iconic and beloved species, visible to spectators even from shore during their migrations.

Listen to the podcast on this positive sign for gray whales

Whales: Did You Know?

Identifying Whale Species

Do you know how to tell apart different species of whales? The guides below will help you identify a variety of endangered species and learn what to do if you encounter them.

How to identify North Atlantic right whales

How to identify North Pacific right whales

How to identify Rice's whales

5 Icebreakers About Bowhead Whales

Conversation starters about an Arctic whale.

Bowhead whale facts

10 Wonderful Whale Facts

How much do you know about different species of whales? As we celebrate Whale Week, take a look at some interesting tidbits and see if you learn something new about these majestic creatures.

Check out 10 wonderful whale facts

Do Not Move Stranded Whales, Dolphins, or Porpoises

Live whales, dolphins, and porpoises that strand on land need specialized emergency care and should only be returned to the water by authorized and trained professionals.

Learn what to do if you come across a live whale, dolphin, or porpoise on the beach

Three Active Unusual Mortality Events

Along the Atlantic coast, three populations of whales are experiencing Unusual Mortality Events. Understanding and investigating these events is important because they can serve as indicators of ocean health.

Read about current Unusual Mortality Events