Harbour porpoise

Westport, WA Maritime Museum - Harbor Porpoise 01A

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Phocoena phocoena.2

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Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is a species of porpoise that is native to the cold and temperate coastal waters of the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and the Black Sea. It is one of the smallest marine mammals and the most abundant cetacean in northern European waters. This article provides an overview of the harbour porpoise, including its physical characteristics, behavior, diet, conservation status, and threats.

Description

The harbour porpoise has a compact body and a distinct dorsal fin that is triangular in shape. Adults typically measure between 1.4 to 1.9 meters in length and weigh between 55 to 75 kilograms. They have a dark grey back, lighter sides, and a white underbelly. Their faces feature a blunt snout and lack the beak that is characteristic of many other porpoise species.

Behavior

Harbour porpoises are known for their shy nature and tend to avoid ships and human activities. They are mostly solitary creatures but can sometimes be seen in small groups of two to three individuals. Unlike many other cetaceans, harbour porpoises do not engage in acrobatic behaviors such as leaping out of the water. They are, however, very active swimmers and can dive to depths of up to 200 meters to search for food.

Diet

The diet of the harbour porpoise primarily consists of small fish and cephalopods. They have a preference for schooling fish such as herring, sprat, and anchovies. Their feeding behavior involves using echolocation to detect and track prey before capturing it with their spade-shaped teeth.

Conservation Status

The harbour porpoise is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although certain populations are considered vulnerable due to habitat degradation, pollution, and fishing bycatch. Conservation efforts are focused on reducing bycatch in fishing nets, which is the largest threat to the species, and protecting their habitats from pollution and industrial development.

Threats

In addition to bycatch, harbour porpoises face threats from chemical pollution, noise pollution from shipping and industrial activities, and habitat loss. Chemical pollutants can accumulate in their bodies, leading to health problems and decreased reproductive success. Noise pollution interferes with their echolocation abilities, making it difficult for them to communicate, navigate, and locate prey.

Conclusion

The harbour porpoise plays a vital role in marine ecosystems as a predator of small fish and cephalopods. Despite their "Least Concern" status, they face significant threats from human activities. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the survival of this species and the health of marine ecosystems.

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