Blog Post
Watch For Wildlife: Porpoises
BY GUEST BLOGGER: Ben Eisinger
Harbor porpoise in the Gulf of Maine. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Northeast Fisheries Science Center.
Summer might be the peak tourist season for Deer Isle, but as fall approaches some wildlife become more active and visible than at other times of year, making some memorable moments for late-comers or stayers. One such case is that of porpoises, specifically harbor porpoises, whose activity (and visibility) in our area increases as they begin their southward migration from as far north as southern Greenland and Baffin Island towards their favored winter dwellings stretching from North Carolina to New Jersey. Unusually for marine animals, which usually stay in either salt or fresh water exclusively, harbor porpoises often venture up rivers, and are frequently seen hundreds of kilometres from the sea.
The most commonly seen species of porpoise by Maine whale watchers, they are generally shyer around humans than dolphins or seals, and are the smallest cetaceans in the North Atlantic, reaching a maximum length of 1.5 m. They are most often sighted nearshore, including in bays and harbors where they forage on small fish, but can be hard to spot due to their small size, inconspicuous surfacing behavior, and lack of visible ‘blow.’ A short triangular dorsal fin on top of the light grey back is often all one will see of these smaller-sized cetaceans.
Harbor porpoises in the North Atlantic tend to mostly eat herring and cod, along with other smaller schooling fish, but are also known to eat squid and octopus, and even some crustaceans. They may not have quite the same degree of recognition as dolphins and whales, but it just makes their sightings more memorable. A truly local, eastern-coast experience!
But be warned: kayakers in Maine should stay at least 50 yards away from harbor porpoises to comply with federal viewing guidelines under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Ben Eisinger is part of the waterfront staff at Osprey’s Echo Sea Kayaking.
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