A small porpoise common in cold coastal waters. Distinguished from dolphins by triangular dorsal fin and lack of beak.

Also called: Harbor Porpoise, Common Porpoise

Native status: Native to North Atlantic and North Pacific

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 1.4–1.9 m
Weight45–65 kg
LifespanWild 15–24 years
OrderCetacea
FamilyPhocoenidae

§ Encyclopedia

The harbour porpoise is one of eight extant species of porpoise. It is one of the smallest species of cetacean. As its name implies, it stays close to coastal areas or river estuaries, and as such, is the most familiar porpoise to whale watchers. This porpoise often ventures up rivers, and has been seen hundreds of kilometres from the sea. The harbour porpoise may be polytypic, with geographically distinct populations representing distinct races: P. p. phocoena in the North Atlantic and West Africa, P. p. relicta in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, an unnamed population in the northwestern Pacific and P. p. vomerina in the northeastern Pacific.

Source: Wikipedia — Harbour porpoise Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small dark gray porpoise with rounded head; small triangular dorsal fin; no beak.

Similar species. Other porpoise species. Dolphins (longer beaks).

Voice. High-frequency clicks for echolocation.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small fish (herring, sardine), squid, octopus.

Behavior. Smallest North American cetacean. Common in cold coastal Atlantic and Pacific waters. Major bycatch concern in gillnet fisheries.

§ Range

North Atlantic and Pacific coasts

§ Habitat

Coastal waters

§ Threats

Fishery bycatch (especially gillnets), pollution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the harbor porpoise is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support sustainable fisheries. Reduce ocean pollution.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • New England Aquarium
  • IUCN Red List 2020