Whale feces, the excrement of whales, has a vital role in the ecology of oceans,[2] earning whales the title of "marine ecosystem engineers." This significant ecological role stems from the nutrients and compounds found in whale feces, which have far-reaching effects on marine life.

Whales excrete plumes of liquid feces that are flocculent in nature, consisting of loose aggregations of particles.[2][4] These feces, often found floating on the sea surface after being excreted underwater before it dissociates, contain undigested hard objects such as squid beaks.[2][5] Fecal samples are characterized by color, odor, texture, and buoyancy, providing valuable information about the health and ecology of whales.[6] Flatulence has been recorded in whales.[5]