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Fin whale

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The Fin Whale, second in size only to the Blue Whale, is known for its incredible speed and sleek, streamlined body. It is a common sight in the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador, especially noted for its distinctive V-shaped head and tall, hooked dorsal fin.

Size

Fin Whales can grow to lengths of approximately 20 meters, with a tall, hooked dorsal fin located about two-thirds of the way back on their bodies. Their asymmetrical head coloring is a unique feature, with the lower jaw being dark on the left side and white on the right​​.

Population

Population trends in Canadian waters are limited; however, there are indications of recovery following the end of commercial whaling. Surveys in Atlantic Canada have provided estimates of Fin Whale numbers, but they remain undercounted due to methodological limitations​​.

Scientific Name

Balaenoptera physalus

Conservation Status

Fin Whales have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act due to past commercial whaling. Although commercial whaling has ceased, the species still faces threats from vessel strikes, entanglements, and ocean noise. Conservation efforts are in place to help rebuild their populations​​.

Habitat & Range

These whales favor deep, offshore waters and are found in all major oceans, primarily in temperate to polar latitudes. They migrate seasonally from Arctic and Antarctic feeding areas to warmer breeding grounds, though their exact migration patterns are complex and vary by region​​.

Diet

Fin Whales feed on krill, small schooling fish, and squid, utilizing their baleen plates to filter large quantities of prey. They are known for consuming up to two tons of food daily, particularly during the summer feeding season​​.

Fin Whales in Newfoundland & Labrador

The Fin Whale, like many marine species in Newfoundland and Labrador, holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the region. The history of coastal communities is deeply intertwined with the sea and its inhabitants, making whales an integral part of local lore and tradition. In recent times, Fin Whales have also become key to the region’s ecotourism, contributing significantly to the local economy through whale-watching ventures that draw visitors from around the globe. 

 

Ecologically, Fin Whales play a vital role in the health of marine ecosystems in Newfoundland and Labrador. As one of the largest baleen whales, they contribute significantly to the ocean’s biological productivity. Through their feeding habits, Fin Whales help regulate the populations of krill and small fish, maintaining the balance within the marine food web. This predation helps ensure the health and sustainability of various marine species, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.

Furthermore, their presence in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador serves as an indicator of the health of these marine environments. Changes in Fin Whale behavior, distribution, or population numbers can provide crucial insights into the state of the oceanic ecosystem, signaling shifts due to climate change, pollution, or other anthropogenic impacts.

THREATS

Fin Whales face threats from vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and increasing ocean noise. Noise pollution from maritime traffic and industrial activities can disrupt their communication and navigation. The species has also been impacted historically by commercial whaling, and currently, a small number are hunted under subsistence quotas in Greenland​​​​​​.

CURRENT PROTECTIONS

Efforts to protect Fin Whales include regulations to reduce ship strikes, entanglement prevention measures, and monitoring of population abundance and distribution. International agreements and domestic laws, such as the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in Canada, provide legal frameworks for their conservation. Fin Whales are listed as of Special Concern in the North Atlantic under SARA, highlighting ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate the impacts of human activities on their populations​​​​.

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© Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter