Dolphins and whales; Amazing creatures.

•  Wildlife and Habitats
• Every kind of marine animal in the Gulf of Mexico, from dolphins, turtles and seabirds to single-celled plankton, could be affected by the oil contamination in the Gulf. Images of oiled sea turtles, pelicans and dolphins continue to provoke public outcry. These charismatic animals are among the most visible, yet they are really just the signature species that represent an entire ecosystem under threat. This page highlights likely effects of the oil spill on cetaceans (dolphins and whales), sea turtles, birds, fishes, coastal wetlands and intertidal zones, and the overall ecosystem.

Cetaceans (dolphins and whales)

Dolphins in the bow wave of a

NOAA vessel in the Gulf of Mexico

(Photo: NOAA)

When whales, dolphins and porpoises surface to breathe, oily water can cover their blowholes and enter their lungs, making breathing difficult. Oil can get into the animals’ eyes, potentially causing damage to vision. It can also enter their mouths, where it can be ingested, potentially damaging internal organs. Oil contamination is likely to have detrimental effects on cetacean reproduction and long-term health.