Articles Index

Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico

Information on the oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig operated by BP off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. Learn what happened to the Deepwater Horizon, the effects of oil on marine life and the latest news about the BP oil leak. Learn about wildlife affected by the oil spill.

Learning About Whales Through Photographs

By photographing unique physical characteristics of whales, researchers can tell many individuals apart within a population of a particular species. Once a sighting record is established for individual whales, researchers are able to study their movements, migration, feeding patterns and life history. Learn how to tell individual whales apart here.

Whales and Entanglements

Entanglement in fishing gear is one of the major threats to whales today. Learn about whale entanglements in fishing gear, and how whales are rescued.

What Are Invasive Species?

Countries around the world are the recipients of unwanted visitors each year – invasive species. Invasive species can be plants, animals or other organisms such as microbes. They are introduced into new habitats primarily by humans. Learn what an invasive species is and how they effect the environment.

U.S. Navy Allowed to Use Sonar That May Harm Whales

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on November 12, 2008 that the U.S. Navy could continue using high-powered sonar as part of its training exercises, possibly at the expense of whales and other marine mammals. The sonar is used to detect enemy ships, and the Navy argued that the sonar is needed to effectively train and protect the nation.