MARINELIFE IN ALASKA

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Alaskan marine life is wonderful! The largest and most majestic of all Alaska's marine life are the whales. Alaskan waters harbor over one-fifth of all the whale species in the world along with 2 dolphin species.

The smallest whale in Alaska is the Stejneger's Beaked Whale at only 18 feet when fully grown. However, outside of Alaska, the worlds smallest whale is the Dwarf Sperm Whale at only 9 feet and weighs between 200-300 lbs when fully grown. The worlds largest whale, the Blue Whale, also found in Alaska, is over 100 feet and weighs nearly 300 tons fully grown. The Blue Whale is the largest living creature on earth.

Though you may not know much about whales, the popular species like Beluga and Orca, as seen at Sea World, belong to the Tooth Whale family just like dolphins; all three feed off of small fish. However, the Orca is known for killing and eating baby seals and penguins. Penguins do not reside at the North Pole just the South pole. Orcas reside at both poles, hence the name "Killer Whale."

For many large and small whale species their biggest threat is humans. Over that last two centuries whale populations of all species have plummeted to all time lows but, due to resent efforts of many different organizations and government conservation their numbers are on the rise again. However, pollution and illegal hunting has slowed all conservation efforts.

When you see an ocean, river or lake please have respect for what is in it; don't throw things in it like plastics or bottles. Think about how you would feel if someone threw garbage in your yard. Remember, these waters are the 'front yards' of all marine life. Also, if you ever view whales in Alaska, or anywhere else, please be aware of the dangers of viewing these majestic beasts!

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