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NOAA responders in Hawaii successfully freed the humpback whale above from hundreds of feet of heavy line. Watch incredible video of another entangled 40-ton Hawaiian whale, and the stranding network team's precarious effort to remove 100 feet of line.
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Plastics infest the oceans and waterways, causing irreparable damage to sensitive coral reefs. Bags and other debris suffocate and strangle wildlife. Plastics break down into micro particles which enter the food chain and cause deformities. A new study estimates that 90% of birds have plastic in their stomachs, mistaking bits of plastic for fish eggs.

Toxic chemicals poison the food chain, causing deformity and disease. Pacific Northwest seals and resident orcas are among the most contaminated mammals on the planet, absorb pollutants in the blubber.

In shipping lanes along the coast, numbers of migrating and foraging large whales are being increasingly killed by ship strikes. Researchers are working to develop ways to lessen risks for these migrating whales.

Explore Dangerous Waters to find out in-depth the many risks that face marine life, how researchers are seeking to lessen those threats - and ways you can make a difference.
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TOXIC SEALS: OUR POLLUTED WATERS
Why are Puget Sound seals and resident orca pods contaminated with toxins? Industrial chemicals, storm runoff and plastics pollution have devastating consequences for all marine life. Learn more.
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DUWAMISH WATERWAY: TOXIC SOUP
Declared by the EPA as one of the most contaminated sites in the nation, many strides have been made to make the Duwamish basin safer for both Seattle residents and wildlife. Learn more.
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MARINE DEBRIS & ENTANGLEMENTS
Countless numbers (some say millions) of sea creatures suffer injuries or die each year from marine debris and fishing gear entanglements. Did you know 80% of marine trash originates from land? Learn more.
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SHIP STRIKES
Large whales are especially vulnerable to injury and death from ship strikes as they migrate along the US coastline. Learn more.