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Fin Whale

Fin whales are big on socializing with other gentle giants — often seen in groups and feeding alongside other species like humpbacks and minke whales! 

 

The fin whale is primarily found offshore in temperate and subpolar waters around the world — less commonly seen in the tropics. These mammals are appropriately named for the small fin on their back that enables scientists and whale watchers alike to identify them. They have long, streamlined bodies, V-shaped heads, and have a dark back and white belly. Most fin whales also have multiple varying light gray chevron marks on the back of their heads, which can be used by scientists to identify individuals. Fin whales grow up to 25.9 meters (85 feet) in length — making them the second largest behind blue whales, which get all the glory for being the largest animal on the planet.  

Fin whales are a migratory species, traveling between breeding grounds and feeding grounds. The location of winter breeding grounds is secret that only fin whales are in on — scientists still don’t know where it is! Fin whales feed on krill, small fish, and squid by collecting large amounts of food at a time. The accordion-like pleats in their throats expand so that they can take in large gulps before filtering out the water through their baleen plates. Even though they feed on some of the smallest prey in the ocean, each fin whale eats up to 2 tons of food each day.  

 

 

Fin whales were decimated by commercial whaling in the 20th century, and although whaling is no longer a threat, new challenges for the species have emerged. 

Vessel Strikes 

These whales are some of the most recorded to be struck by vessels, which can result in injury or death. With the potential of shipping traffic to increase in fin whale habitat, this threat may continue to grow. 

Entanglement 

Fin whales may become entangled in fishing gear such as gillnets, pots, or traps. Once ensnared in the gear, whales may be forced to drag it with them for miles, which depletes their energy, can impact their ability to feed, and cause injuries that are potentially lethal. 

 

 

Limited restrictions around the use of some fishing gear as well as requiring boats to slow down when there are whales in the area can make a big difference for fin whales. Oceana campaigns to protect endangered ocean species and prevent them from being harmed by destructive fishing practices. And as marine mammals, fin whales are protected in the United States under the Marine Mammal Protection Act as well as the Endangered Species Act. Keeping legislation like this in place is crucial to the survival and success of all marine mammals. 

 

 

 

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