Hello everyone,
On the 9th of November I believe I was lucky enough to observe two sub-adult Blue Whale’s (Balaenoptera musculus) in the North East Atlantic off the coast of the United Kingdom; however, I am questioning my identification due to the odd location and shallow water ca. 70m.
The key identifying features are as follows; large baleen whale likely sub-adult at ca. 20-25m length; tall columnar blow ca. 6-8m; distinctive miniature dorsal fin located towards posterior; mottled grey colouration; large blow hole splash guards; very thick caudal peduncle; typical slow surface roll with long back only exposing dorsal fin at the very end of roll arching tail stock prior to longer dives. Please take a look at the attached photos and let me know your thoughts.
Any help would be greeted with the utmost appreciation.
All the very best,
Edward Lavallin
There is only a few whales which can reach 20m, and this is one doesn't seem to be Eubalaena australis or Balaenoptera physalus. If I'm seeing this correctly, there is a large spashguard and some whitish spots on its skin. If it is indeed the case, you have your blue whale.
I agree with dear Grégoire Moutardier
From the photographs, I did not see the distinguishing features that would make it possible to say with confidence that this is a blue whale. But if its length is indeed 20-25 meters, then it is a blue whale. There are no other whales with similar body sizes.
Regards, Sergey Viktorovich Pushkin
Hi Edward,
It's not such an odd location to find blue whales, it just took them a long time to make a comeback to the area following our historical persecution of them. There was a ~20 year period when none were seen off the UK between 1977 and 1996, but I believe that they have been seen - and certainly heard - most years since then. They are relatively 'common' (I use that word loosely) off Iceland, so they are certainly around in the north Atlantic.
Given the photos and the size you report, I would say you have a blue whale sighting!
Hi Edward,
No doubt about it being blues, over the last 20 years I have been observing blues in Sri Lanka waters, the mottling, the dorsal fin size location etc, :"'Eureka" :-)
Hi Edward,
I'm in no doubt from your given description and the photos that must be a blue whale.
It was difficult to confirm the species based on your photograph. But when I compare the differences between Fin whale, Sei whale, and blue whale morphological characteristics with your photograph it was close to blue whale only. Based on the size you mentioned, dorsal fin shape, and position it may be possible Blue whale only.
Edward Lavallin
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