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March 3, 2025
The fin whale is the second-largest whale species in the world, known for its slender body and incredible speed. Let’s dive into some fascinating questions about fin whales to learn more about their behaviours, habitats, and conservation.
How Many Fin Whales Are Left?
Estimates suggest approximately 50,000–90,000 fin whales are left worldwide, though numbers vary depending on the region. Historically, fin whales were heavily hunted during the whaling era, which drastically reduced their populations. Thankfully, international protections have allowed some populations to recover. However, these whales remain a vulnerable species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Where Is the Best Place to See a Fin Whale?
Fin whales are most commonly spotted in areas with abundant krill and small schooling fish, their primary food sources. The North Atlantic and the North Pacific oceans are known hotspots for fin whale activity.
In British Columbia, you might catch a rare glimpse of a fin whale off the coast of Vancouver Island. While sightings near Vancouver Island are sparse, these whales occasionally pass through the region during their migrations, making each encounter a unique and unforgettable experience.
Is It Rare to See a Fin Whale?
Yes, seeing a fin whale, especially in certain parts of the world, is relatively rare. These whales often inhabit deep offshore waters, far from human activity. While fin whales sometimes migrate closer to coastal areas, they tend to be more elusive than other species, such as humpback whales.
Off the coast of Vancouver Island, fin whale sightings are incredibly rare, adding to the excitement for whale watchers who are lucky enough to spot one.
How Big Is a Fin Whale?
Fin whales are truly massive creatures. Adults can grow to lengths of 20–27 meters (65–89 feet), with females generally growing slightly larger than males. They can weigh up to 80 tons, making them the second-largest animal on Earth, after the blue whale.
To put their size in perspective, a fin whale is as long as two school buses placed end to end and weighs as much as about 11 elephants! Despite their size, fin whales are incredibly fast and can reach up to 40 kilometres per hour (25 mph).
How Deep Do Fin Whales Dive?
Fin whales can dive to depths of approximately 200–300 meters (650–1,000 feet). While not as deep-diving as species like sperm whales, fin whales can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes when feeding. They tend to dive deep to access krill swarms and small fish in nutrient-rich waters, making these dives essential to their survival.
What Does a Fin Whale Eat?
Fin whales are filter feeders, primarily eating:
- Krill: tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans that form a crucial part of the ocean’s food chain, serving as a primary food source for many marine species, including whales.
- Small schooling fish: like herring and capelin.
- Copepods: tiny crustaceans.
Using their baleen plates, fin whales take in huge mouthfuls of water, then filter out their food while expelling the water. Their diet supports their massive size, with adult fin whales consuming up to 2 tons of food daily during feeding seasons.
Are Fin Whales Endangered in Canada?
Yes, fin whales are considered threatened in Canadian waters under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). This status is due to historical whaling, habitat degradation, ship strikes, and noise pollution. Despite these challenges, conservation efforts, including shipping lane adjustments and marine protected areas, aim to improve their chances of survival.
Are Fin Whales in British Columbia?
While fin whales are less commonly sighted near Vancouver Island than in other regions, they remain vital to the marine ecosystem. Every rare encounter reminds us of the beauty and richness of these waterways!
