Dauphin Island Sea Lab monitors stranded sperm whale

Press Release • November 22, 2020

Sperm whale in Mobile Bay

(OBA®) - Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Marine Mammal Research Program personnel responded to a live-stranded, approximately 35-foot sperm whale in Mobile Bay on Thursday, November 19, 2020. This is the first documented stranded sperm whale in the state of Alabama. The team worked in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network and DISL Marine Mammal Research Program s staff monitor a stranded sperm whale in Mobile Bay.

On average, two sperm whales strand in the Gulf of Mexico each year, most often in the late summer and fall. The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network, including the network veterinarian and biologists, continued to monitor the condition of the animal on Friday, November 20, 2020. Unfortunately, the prognosis is poor for a large whale such as this, due to its size and location of the stranding.

The sperm whale was last spotted on Friday evening in Mobile Bay. Boaters are asked to be on the lookout in the Bay, Sound, and nearshore Gulf of Mexico waters and report any sightings to the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The whale could be anywhere around Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key Florida.

Please report sick, dead, injured, or out of habitat marine mammals in Alabama to the Stranding Network hotline at 1-877-WHALE-HELP (942-5343).

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share this article w/ Friends...

Orange Beach Hosts Public Workshops For Citywide Plan

By OBA Staff • January 22, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach officials are encouraging residents to take part in a pair of public meetings designed to help shape the city’s future. City leaders say the events will play a major role in completing the Orange Beach Comprehensive Plan, which will guide long‑term decisions. Organizers hope...

USDA to Drop Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits in Baldwin County and Beyond

By R. Ken Cooper • January 22, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Wildlife officials are warning Alabama residents to watch for oral rabies vaccine baits that will be distributed from the air. The effort is part of the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services program. Low-flying airplanes and helicopters will be used in the vaccination...

Snow at the Orange Beach Post Office on January 23, 2025.

Winter Storm Could Brush the Gulf Coast While Slamming Areas to Our North

By R. Ken Cooper • January 21, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A major winter storm is taking shape for the southern United States this weekend, but forecasters say the worst conditions are expected to stay north of the immediate Gulf Coast. Even so, residents along the shoreline, including in the Orange Beach, Gulf Shores & Foley areas, are being...

Updated Baldwin Beach Express II Plan Aims To Ease Traffic

By OBA Staff • January 21, 2026

Baldwin County leaders have approved a key update to a major north–south highway project that they say will shape traffic and growth for years to come. The Baldwin County Commission has adopted a new access management plan for the Baldwin Beach Express II, a planned multi-lane divided corridor between Interstate 10...

Holk Field Sign Unveiled At Foley Municipal Airport

By Guy Busby • January 21, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley honored former Mayor Arthur Holk by officially adding his name to the city airport during a recent dedication ceremony. City leaders, family members, and residents gathered at the Foley Municipal Airport as a new sign was unveiled, reading Holk Field at Foley Municipal Airport. Speakers...

Orange Beach Sidewalk Project on Canal Road Nears Finish Line

By OBA Staff • January 21, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Canal Road sidewalk‑widening project in Orange Beach is moving toward completion, bringing relief to residents and motorists who use the route near Caswell and Bear Point. City officials said the expanded sidewalk will be substantially complete by the end of January. All sections are...

Orange Beach Police Investigate Theft Of Boat Motors

By R. Ken Cooper • January 20, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Late Sunday night, a group of thieves stole eight outboard motors and several lower units from Jones Canvas Storage in Orange Beach, located at 27011 Canal Road, Orange Beach. Investigators say the theft occurred overnight and appeared carefully planned. The suspects worked through the...

Orange Beach Council Sets Busy Agenda For January Meeting

By John Mullen • January 20, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach will discuss spending nearly $800,000 on the renovations and a new pool at the city’s recreation campus. The work will include design services to develop construction plans, permitting services, bidding assistance, and other construction-related services. This is the...

Foley City Council to Review Major Projects in the First Meeting of the New Year

By John Mullen • January 20, 2026

Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The city of Foley awarded bids in December worth $4.5 million in December for various projects around the city. A safe room for first responders to use during hurricanes was the biggest-ticket item. Others, including street work, lighting for a city park, and furniture for the new library.

Gulf Shores City Council Work Session to Focus on New High School Needs

By John Mullen • January 20, 2026

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – With the new high school expected to open this fall, Gulf Shores is looking at buying inside equipment. The school is located at the southwest corner of the Foley Beach Express and Coastal Gateway Boulevard. The bulk of the purchases will be equipment, furniture, and IT and audiovisual...