Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Harbor porpoise (photo credit: The National Wildlife Federation)
Description: One of the most commonly seen cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), in the Pacific Northwest is the harbor porpoise. They are relatively small in compared to other local cetaceans, about 5 feet long and weighting up to 165 pounds. They have a dark gray body with a rounded nose and low profile dorsal fin. Harbor porpoises are shy, avoiding people and boats more than their dolphin relatives. They often travel alone or in small groups of 5 or less.
Habitat: Harbor porpoises are found along coastlines of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in the Northern hemisphere. In the Eastern Pacific, the can be found from Northern Alaska to Southern California. They stay close to shore and are commonly found in bays and estuaries.
Diet: Harbor porpoises eat schooling fish such as herring and sardines, as well as squid and octopus.
Tide Pool Tidbits:
(photo credit: Oregon Conservation Strategy)