The death this week of another Puget Sound killer whale makes 2016 one of the worst in recent history for the endangered marine mammals. At least five orcas in the family group J-pod have died in the past year.

The bears that come to the northern village of Kaktovik are climate refugees, on land because the sea ice they rely on for hunting seals is receding.

Kachemak Bay has witnessed massive die-offs of sea stars, murres and razor clams. Whats going on?

Dolphin beaching in Sodwana Bay, South Africa

Dead whale with interesting dolphin-like face.

Dead sea lion found in boat harbor, cause of death unknown.

Mysterious beaked whale washed up on Pribilof Islands is 1 of only 8 known specimens • Michelle Ridgway, St. George community collect crucial tissue samples leading to discovery

Marine Mammal

The notoriously difficult-to-study Pacific walrus population decreased by about half between 1981 and 1999, likely due to hunting and changes to sea-ice habitat, according to a new USGS study that is considered the most up-to-date and comprehensive so far. The Pacific walrus is being considered for Endangered Species Act protections.

Over the past few months, a massive toxic bloom of the marine diatom Pseudo-nitzschia, stretching from central California to the Alaska Peninsula, has resulted in significant impacts to coastal resources and marine life. NOAA has been working closely with federal, state, tribal, academic, and other partners to respond to this unprecedented harmful algal bloom (HAB).

In January, 29 sperm whales were found stranded on shores around the North Sea, an area that is too shallow for the marine wildlife. Only recently were details of the animals’ necropsy released. However, scientists were deeply disturbed by what they found in the animals’ stomachs.

Second sea otter stranding in one week.

el baramiento de una ballena jorobada en las costas yucatecas

Community wonders about cause of illness.

A fin whale washed ashore in St. George, Pribilofs, Alaska.

The lack of sea ice in Toksook Bay, has allowed for a uniquel sighting - a January beluga whale!