From: American Cetacean Society Fact Sheet - DALL'S PORPOISE:
http://www.acsonline.org/factpack/DallsPorpoise.htm

"This uniquely marked, black and white porpoise was named after the American naturalist W. H. Dall, who collected the first specimen of the type, which is now on display in the U. S. National Museum. It may be the fastest swimmer of all the small cetaceans and has been reported to reach speeds of 30 knots. It delights in bow riding with fast-moving vessels. As the porpoise dashes in at high speed, its head and back produce a bow wave called a "rooster tail", which creates a hollow cone allowing the animal to breathe while still under the surface of the water.

Dall's porpoise are found only in the North Pacific, ranging from Baja California north to Alaska and the Bering Sea and across into Japanese waters, seemingly confined to colder waters with temperatures of less than 60 degrees F (15 C). Many are year-round residents over much of their range."

From: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA): Dall's Porpoise Appeal - http://www.eia-international.org/campaigns.../dallsporpoise/

"Japan claims there are enough of Dall's porpoises in its coastal waters to kill 17,700 each year without seriously affecting the species. The problem is there is no scientific evidence to back up these numbers. In fact, Japan will not allow its scientists to participate in international meetings on this matter.

Contrary to Japan's claims, Dall's porpoises are being killed unsustainably. Furthermore, females with calves are targeted as they are slower and easier to catch. The calves are inevitably left to die as their mothers are cruelly killed."

With More Details:

http://www.acsonline.org/factpack/DallsPorpoise.htm

http://www.eia-international.org/campaigns.../dallsporpoise/