Elephant seals are recognized as the world's largest seals. These massive marine mammals exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism, with males significantly larger than females.

Adult males, distinguished by their large, inflatable proboscis, can exceed 20 feet in length and weigh up to 8,800 pounds. They are exceptional divers, capable of deep and prolonged foraging in the ocean's depths.

As we begin a new year, we're filled with hope and gratitude. Our vital work protecting the oceans safeguards our future, and supporters like you are essential to our victories. We invite you to reflect on our 2023 achievements.

Ready to get involved in 2024? Explore ways to contribute at www.oceana.org/waystogive.

Discover fascinating insights into the world of sea otters.

Watch now to learn five fun facts about these captivating marine mammals.

Did you know nurse sharks enjoy a good nap?

These fascinating marine creatures are known for their resting behaviors, often found stationary on the ocean floor.

Sharks are incredibly ancient creatures, having roamed the oceans for an astonishingly long period.

Their lineage dates back over 400 million years, predating most dinosaurs and even trees. This remarkable evolutionary success highlights their adaptability and resilience across vast geological timescales.

Sea cows, a collective term for large, herbivorous marine mammals, primarily refer to manatees and dugongs. These gentle giants inhabit warm coastal waters and rivers across the globe.

Though often confused due to their similar appearance and aquatic lifestyle, manatees and dugongs possess distinct anatomical and geographical differences. Can you identify what sets these fascinating creatures apart?

Orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family. Learn more in our Marine Life Encyclopedia: https://bit.ly/3OZR0dY

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Nurse sharks may nap often, but they're not anti-social! Learn more about these fascinating creatures in our Marine Life Encyclopedia: https://bit.ly/45cuZyd

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Manatees can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes, spending much of their time underwater feeding on sea grasses and other vegetation. Support these gentle giants by symbolically adopting a Florida manatee today: bit.ly/3OYvPsL.

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Invasive lionfish severely damage marine ecosystems. During a 2021 expedition to Mexico's Bajos del Norte reef system, Oceana discovered these invaders at almost every site visited. Learn more about our findings here.

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The blue whale, the largest animal to ever exist, can consume 10 to 20 tons of food daily. Learn more in our Marine Life Encyclopedia.

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Polar bear cubs spend over two years with their mothers, learning vital survival and hunting skills for their harsh environment. Discover more in our Marine Life Encyclopedia.

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Pygmy seahorses are tiny masters of disguise!

Learn more in our Marine Life Encyclopedia.

Thresher sharks use their long, whip-like tails to stun prey. Learn more in our Marine Life Encyclopedia: Marine Life Encyclopedia.

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The southern blue-ringed octopus, named for its vibrant rings, is a small but deadly cephalopod, growing up to 8 inches. Despite its potent venom, this creature is not aggressive, biting only when agitated. It prefers to hunt small prey like crabs and patrol its tide pools undisturbed.

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Emperor penguin dads are among the most committed in the ocean. Help protect these magnificent birds with a symbolic adoption: https://bit.ly/3YAms5R

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Is marine snow truly snow under the ocean, or is it something entirely different?

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Ever heard of a sea spider? Subscribe to our channel and join our community of Wavemakers to explore fascinating ocean life!

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Decorator crabs achieve camouflage by attaching pieces of their surroundings—algae, sponges, leaves, or even small animals like anemones—to curved, hooked bristles on their shells. These bristles function like Velcro, allowing the crabs to easily change their decorations.

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Sea otters are threatened and highly vulnerable to extinction due to oil pollution, shifts in the food web, and habitat loss. When doused in oil, an otter’s fur loses its insulating properties, putting the animal at risk of hypothermia.

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