Labrador waters are home to a diverse range of marine mammals. Some species are resident while others migrate into our waters to feed during the summer months or, in some cases, give birth to their young. There are about 17 species of whales (cetaceans) and six species of seals (pinnipeds). Whales that have teeth are called Odontocetes and range in size from the 1.5 metre harbour porpoise to the 15 metre sperm whale. Whales that use keratinous baleen plates to filter small prey from the water column are called mysticete or baleen whales. This group includes species like the humpback whale and the blue whale, which is the largest living creature in the world. There are three groups of seals the Phocidae (no external ear like the ringed seal -- also called true seals), the Otaridae (small ears visible and flippers that allow walking on land like the sea lions and fur seals) and the Odobenidae (the walrus). There are no sea lions or fur seals in the North Atlantic and walruses are quite rare in Labrador waters.

The marine environment in Labrador provides a myriad of species which are either commercially exploited or underdeveloped at the present time. Though harsh the Labrador marine ecosystem provides a bountiful environment for marine life whether groundfish, pelagic or shellfish species. In 2002 the commercial value of all species in Labrador was $41 million.

Groundfish

Cod
Rock Cod
Greenland Hailbut (Turbot)
Hailbut
Lumpfish
Redfish
Grenadier
Wolffish
Haddock
American Plaice
Greysole
Skate

Pelagic

Herring
Capelin
Mackerel
Trout
Artic char
Almon
Dog fish
Shark
Eels
Smelt
Jellyfish

Shellfish

Snow Crab
Atlantic crab (toad)
Red Atlantic King crab (porcupine)
Atlantic King crab (northern stone)
Icelandic Scallop
Whelk
Periwinkles
Surf Clam
Soft shell clam
Mussels
Cockles
Rock crab
Hermit crab
Northern Pink Shrimp
Shrimp (various species)
Rock shrimp
Squid
Sea Urchin
Sea Cucumber
Octopus