We would like to draw attention to a fin whale
spotted during the 2018 spring expedition hold under our yearly
Edmaktub Rorqual Project.
This fin whale was found in the North West
Mediterranean (Southward Barcelona) with a clear deformity in its
caudal peduncle. It was a male,
sized around 14 meters (pretty much the size of our research
boat). The animal was able to swim, but if you pay attention to
the rippling water
surface, the efficiency was at certain degree compromised.
Although it could be associated with a
pathological process or malformation, we believe that this
deformity, could be the result of an old boat collision. This
area of the W.
Mediterranean suffers from heavy marine traffic,
seasonally high presence of fin whales and probably many more
collisions than recorded.
We would really appreciate any feed
back, comments or thoughts about this animal. If any of
you have photo ID this animal in other area we will
also appreciate you contact us and share that information.
See the drone video footage in the following link https://youtu.be/DqImLLzirko
More information about the project in http://www.edmaktub.org/en/fin-whale-project/
Best regards,