Oceans are changing at an unprecedented rate. Climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction are transforming marine ecosystems, placing immense pressure on species that depend on them. Warming waters alter prey distributions, plastic pollution infiltrates food webs, and coastal development reduces critical habitats. These overlapping threats make life increasingly difficult for marine mammals.
At NMMF, we are dedicated to understanding how environmental changes and disasters impact marine life. Our scientists are in the field, monitoring wild populations, responding to strandings, assessing animal health, and advancing research that drives conservation and informs policy.
Pollution: A Growing Crisis
From plastic debris to toxic chemicals, pollution affects marine life at every level. Microplastics have been found in the stomachs of whales and dolphins, while long-lasting pollutants like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) accumulate in blubber, weakening immune systems and reducing reproductive success. Oil spills, algal blooms from agricultural runoff, and rising ocean noise further degrade marine habitats and put vulnerable species at risk.
Deepwater Horizon Disaster
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill was one of the largest environmental disasters in history, releasing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico and causing long-term harm to both animal and human communities. NMMF has led critical research to understand its impacts on marine mammals, conducting dolphin population surveys and individual dolphin health assessments to help guide recovery efforts.
Plastic Pollution Found Detected in Dolphins
Microplastic fibers have been found in dolphins’ breath, blood, stomachs, and urine, underscoring the depth of plastic pollution in the marine environment. A recent study, led by the College of Charleston in partnership with the NMMF and other collaborators, highlights the urgent need for systemic change to reduce ocean waste.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Marine Life
Climate change is reshaping marine environments. Rising ocean and river temperatures shrink available habitat, affect prey availability, disrupt migration patterns, and place added stress on marine mammals. More frequent and extreme weather events force animals to travel farther for food, expending more energy and increasing vulnerability.
Amazon River Dolphin Crisis
In 2023, a record-breaking drought and extreme heat in the Brazilian Amazon drove water temperatures above 105°F, resulting in the death of over 300 endangered river dolphins. NMMF deployed veterinarians to support local experts, helping assess the situation and provide veterinary guidance on the ground.
Increased Health Risks for Arctic Animals
As Arctic sea ice declines, marine mammals come into closer contact, increasing the spread of infectious diseases. They face greater risk from viruses, bacteria, and parasites that affect immune function, respiratory health, and survival. NMMF scientists are studying these threats and tracking population changes in species like the beluga whale to better understand how climate change and related stressors are impacting marine mammal health.
Human Activities: Encroaching on Marine Mammal Habitats
As coastal development and marine industries grow, so do the threats to marine mammals. Industrial fishing, increased vessel traffic, and underwater construction lead to entanglements, habitat loss, and introduce disruptive noise into the water. NMMF researchers work to understand these impacts and support mitigation strategies through science, rescue, and policy action.
Saving the Vaquita
With fewer than 10 individuals remaining, the vaquita is threatened with extinction due to entanglement in gillnets used for illegal totoaba fishing. Partnering with global and local experts, NMMF applies science, technology, and community collaboration to protect the vaquita and its ecosystem.
The Impact of Noise Pollution
Underwater noise from ships, sonars, and industry interferes with the way marine mammals navigate, communicate, and find food. NMMF’s bioacoustic research is helping uncover how sound affects behavior and survival, and how we can better protect ocean soundscapes.
The Growing Number of Marine Mammal Rescues
With more entanglements and climate-driven habitat disruptions, marine mammals need help. NMMF’s Charleston Field Team in South Carolina leads collaborative rescue efforts along the U.S. Southeast, responding quickly to protect displaced or injured animals.
Operation GRACE: Protecting Marine Mammals Across the Globe
Through Operation GRACE (Global Rescue and Conservation Effort), NMMF works alongside local communities and global partners to monitor vulnerable species, investigate the impacts of environmental change, and respond to emergencies. By combining cutting-edge science with hands-on action, Operation GRACE empowers communities to protect their native species. Together, we’re creating a more hopeful future for marine mammals and the environments they call home.
Balancing Conservation with Responsible Development
As human activity in marine environments increases, environmental impact assessments are critical to safeguarding marine life. Through NMMF’s Environmental Stewardship Program, we support the development of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements to ensure compliance with conservation laws while developing sustainable solutions.
Regulatory Compliance: Our work supports federal, state, local, and tribal regulations, including:
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Endangered Species Act (ESA)
- Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
By integrating science with policy, we help balance conservation with responsible development, ensuring marine ecosystems and the species that depend on them are better protected.
