Endangered Species Program

gray whale surfacing

NMFS photo
Gray Whale
Eschrichtius robustus

Protection for this species under the Endangered Species Act — where it is listed, when it was listed, and other information.

In the News

Life History and Recovery Activities

  • The eastern North Pacific stock of gray whale has the distinction of being the first population of a marine mammal species to be removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Species.
  • Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are scientifically known as cetaceans. All cetacean species are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA). In addition, there are currently eight species of cetaceans in U.S. waters that are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
  • The National Marine Fisheries Service has lead responsibility for the conservation of most marine mammals. Please see the National Marine Fisheries Service's Cetaceans: Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises page and their detailed information about gray whales.
  • Search for more information on other Fish and Wildlife Service web sites.

    This page provides selected links to USFWS sites and those of our Federal and State partners. Other organizations such as environmental groups may also have web sites with information on this species.

Last updated: January 15, 2008