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Long-finned Pilot Whale

When it comes to long-finned pilot whales, being highly social is one of their greatest strengths, but also their biggest weakness. Known to travel in schools of hundreds to up to a thousand, these marine mammals were easily rounded up and hunted for their meat, oil, and blubber until the 21st century.

 

Long-finned pilot whales are one of two species of pilot whale, the other species being the short-finned pilot whale. They are found in oceans throughout the Southern hemisphere and in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Long-finned pilot whales have a dark body featuring a prominent forehead known as a melon, from which they omit frequencies to echolocate their prey. Their melon varies in appearance from bulbous to squarish and in some cases creased. The dorsal fin can be used to indicate the age of these whales, as it becomes broader and rounder through the years.
Long-finned pilot whales have been observed spy-hopping (raising their heads above water to see what’s going on above the surface) and logging (floating motionless at the surface) in a row. These marine mammals primarily feed on fish, squid, octopus, crustaceans, and even small sharks. Long-finned pilot whales are known for their incredible diving ability, known to dive depths of 607 m (2000 ft) in search of prey.

 

 

The primary threats to long-finned pilot whales include entanglement, whaling, marine pollution, and disease. Fortunately, this whale holds its status as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List.

 

 

Putting a stop to contaminants entering the water from pesticides, sewers, and other sources is crucial to protect the health of long-finned pilot whales and keeping our oceans clean. Fishing equipment alternatives like pop-up fishing gear can also protect long-finned pilot whales from entanglement. Learn how Oceana is helping to prevent whales and other animals from becoming entangled in fishing gear here. 

 

 

 

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