Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce our new publication: Neves J, Methion S, Diaz Lopez B (2024). Relationship between skin and body condition in three species of baleen whales. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 159:99-115. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03808 The assessment of free-ranging cetacean health through the study of skin conditions using photographs has gained prominence in recent years. However, little attention has been given to the relationships between cetacean skin conditions, species, and body condition. To explore this relationship among baleen whale species along the Northwestern coast of Spain, we employed a non-invasive method involving photograph analysis. In this study, we examined skin conditions (including injuries, epizoites and ectoparasites, pigmentation disorders, skin lesions, and anatomical malformations) and body condition (overall physical contours and form, as an indicator of nutritional status and health) in 3 species of whales (blue, fin, and minke whales). This methodology facilitated the identification of 29 subcategories of distinct skin conditions and an assessment of body condition over a 5 yr period (2017 to 2021). In our study, we present evidence linking hypopigmentation, protruding pieces of tissue, and tattoo-like lesions to ‘Poor’ body condition in the 3 baleen whale species. Fin whales exhibited a higher susceptibility to mottling (prevalence = 17.7%), while blue whales were more prone to starbursts (prevalence = 90.5%). Additionally, we found a significant relationship between skin condition diversity and individual body condition. Our findings contribute valuable information to the broader understanding of the health status of baleen whales. Further investigations are necessary to delve into the etiology of the documented skin conditions and their potential implications for individual survival. This study serves as a foundation for ongoing research aimed at advancing our comprehension of these findings. Feel free to contact me to request a pdf or for any question regarding our work at severine@thebdri.com Kind regards, Séverine Methion, PhD she/her/hers BDRI Research Scientist 0034 640 119 669 http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Severine_Methion https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9348-2592 Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Av. Beiramar 192, 36980, O Grove, Pontevedra, Spain www.thebdri.com Find us on Facebook & Instagram (@thebdri)