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...

National Battery Take-Back Day Comes To Baldwin County September 12

By OBA Staff • September 5, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County will waive battery disposal fees during a local collection event. The effort aims to provide residents with a safe way to dispose of batteries. Officials ask residents not to place batteries in household trash or recycling bins. The free

Free Voucher Program Helps Thousands Of Baldwin County Pets Get Spayed Or Neutered

By OBA Staff • September 5, 2026

Baldwin County, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County pet owners now have access to a discount voucher program to help cover the cost of spaying or neutering their animals. The Baldwin County Animal Shelter offers vouchers to residents across the county. The program has operated for nearly two years and continues to help thou

Experience The Oyster Returns To The Hangout For Its Fifth Year

By OBA Staff • September 5, 2026

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Experience the Oyster is returning to The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama, for its fifth year, bringing together some of the South's best chefs and oyster farmers for a full weekend of coastal cuisine. The event is presented by Murder Point Oysters, a well-known Alabama oyster company that

Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon

Gulf Shores Triathlon Returns For Its 19th Year This Month

By OBA Staff • September 4, 2026

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Swimmers, cyclists and runners are gearing up for one of Alabama's most beloved endurance events. Registration is now open for the 19th annual Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon in Gulf Shores. The Hangout will serve as race headquarters for the event. Athletes of all experience level

Baldwin County Fair Returns To Robertsdale For Five Days This Month

By OBA Staff • September 4, 2026

Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Fair has been a fixture in south Alabama since 1948, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Robertsdale each fall. Organized by the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association, the event features carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, and locally pr

Meeting Of The Minds Returns To Gulf Shores This Fall

By OBA Staff • September 4, 2026

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Parrot Heads will return to Gulf Shores this fall for Meeting of the Minds. The gathering celebrates Jimmy Buffett, trop rock music, and the community built around his songs. Live music and charity events are planned. The Hangout will again be the center of the celebration.

Graham Creek Nature Preserve Experts To Speak At Foley Library This September

By Guy Busby • September 3, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Community Library is launching a new public education series this fall, with the first event addressing a topic that affects yards, forests, and wetlands across the Gulf Coast. The library's new Bites and Insights series will feature experts discussing topics of local importance.

Special Ticket Savings Announced For Upcoming Pam Tillis Concert

By OBA Staff • September 3, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Pam Tillis, daughter of country music royalty, carved her own path in music, recording memorable hits. Her celebrated catalog includes popular favorites such as "Shake the Sugar Tree," "Maybe It Was Memphis," and "Mi Vida Loca." With multiple number ones and top-ten singles, she has earned three

Flora-Bama Bulls On The Beach Returns For Its 13th Year With Three Nights Of Live Rodeo Action

By K. Cooper • September 3, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Flora-Bama is gearing up for one of its most popular events of the year. The 13th Annual Bulls On The Beach features Professional Bull Riders from across the country competing in live rodeo action. The three-night event is among Flora-Bama's most popular. A portion of the proceeds will

Orange Beach Council Focuses on E-Bikes and Rentals

In Orange Beach, the City Council has address

Orange Beach Changes Rules on E-Bikes and Micro Mobility Transportation

By OBA Staff • September 2, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Electric bicycles, scooters, and other personal motorized devices have grown rapidly in popularity across the United States. Coastal resort cities like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, have seen a sharp rise in the use of these devices on shared trails and sidewalks. Both cities have