Fin Whale: The Second Largest Animal on Earth

The fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is the second largest animal on Earth after the blue whale, reaching lengths of up to 26 meters and weights approaching 80 tonnes. This article provides an evidence-based examination of fin whale biology, including physical characteristics, feeding ecology, migration patterns, acoustic behavior, and conservation status. The content draws on peer-reviewed research from PubMed, Scientific Reports, PLOS ONE, and other scientific sources to give students, researchers, life-science professionals, and informed general readers a reliable reference for understanding this endangered species.

At a Glance

Species Overview and Taxonomic Context

The fin whale belongs to the family Balaenopteridae, which includes blue whales, humpback whales, and sei whales. These are rorquals, characterized by pleated throat grooves that expand during feeding. The species is currently divided into four subspecies based on ocean basin distribution. A 2024 chromosome-level whole genome analysis published in Systematic Biology examined phylogenetic relationships among fin whales from multiple ocean basins and found monophyletic clades associated with each ocean basin, aligning with the current understanding of subspecies division. However, the same study detected discordances in phylogenies based on the Y chromosome, mitochondrial genome, autosomal genome, and X chromosome, along with signs of introgression and pervasive phylogenetic discordance across the autosomal genome.

This genomic complexity has important implications for conservation management. A 2019 study in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution cautioned against defining subspecies from mitochondrial sequence monophyly alone. The researchers re-analyzed a global mitogenomic assessment of fin whales and found that apparent monophyly among North Atlantic fin whales was due to low sample sizes. Their extended analysis, which included 1,676 mitochondrial control region sequences, 162 complete mitochondrial genome sequences, and 20 microsatellite loci genotyped in 380 samples, demonstrated that basic population genetic processes such as genetic drift can lead to erroneous taxonomic conclusions when sampling is inadequate.

For researchers and conservation managers, these findings mean that subspecies designations should be based on multiple lines of evidence, including nuclear genomic data, instead of single-locus mitochondrial analyses. The practical implication is that management units for conservation should be defined cautiously, recognizing that population structure may be more complex than current taxonomic designations suggest.

Physical Characteristics and Size Comparison

The fin whale is distinguished by its streamlined body, asymmetrical coloration, and prominent dorsal fin. The lower right jaw is white while the lower left jaw is dark, a feature unique among whales. The body is grey to brownish-grey dorsally and white ventrally, with chevron markings behind the head.

In terms of size, fin whales are second only to blue whales. Adult fin whales typically range from 18 to 26 meters in length, with females generally larger than males. Weight estimates range from 40 to 80 tonnes depending on geographic region and individual condition. For comparison, a blue whale can reach 30 meters and weigh over 150 tonnes, while a humpback whale typically reaches 14 to 17 meters and weighs 25 to 30 tonnes.

The size of fin whales varies by subspecies and population. Southern Hemisphere fin whales (B. p. quoyi) are generally larger than their Northern Hemisphere counterparts. A 2025 study in Oceans noted that the population of southern fin whales was severely depleted by 19th and 20th century whaling and remains listed as vulnerable, with recovery slow.

Feeding Ecology and Trophic Relationships

Fin whales are filter feeders that consume large quantities of small prey. Their diet consists primarily of krill, copepods, and small schooling fish. The feeding mechanism involves lunging with an open mouth to engulf water and prey, then filtering the water through baleen plates while retaining the food.

A 2023 stable isotope study in Marine Environmental Research examined fin whale trophic ecology in the Humboldt Current System of northern Chile. The researchers analyzed carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur stable isotope ratios from fin whale skin samples collected in early summer 2020 (n = 18) and late winter 2021 (n = 22). They also analyzed prey items in fin whale faecal plumes (n = 8) collected during the study period. The results showed significant differences in isotopic values between summer and winter samples. Summer individuals were depleted in nitrogen-15 and sulphur-34 relative to winter samples, and showed greater isotopic variance. Winter whales showed far less inter-individual variation, with all individuals having values indicative of prey consumption in the region. This suggests that fin whales in this area may feed year-round instead of simply passing through during migration.

The study estimated likely consumption patterns of putative prey including zooplankton, krill, pelagic fishes, and Pleuroncodes species. This research demonstrates that fin whale feeding ecology can vary seasonally and regionally, which has implications for understanding habitat requirements and potential competition with fisheries.

A 2026 study in PLOS ONE investigated the relationship between microbial and small zooplankton communities and baleen whale density in the Southern California Current Ecosystem. Using data from the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations from 2014 to 2020, the researchers found that planktonic communities specific to each target whale species were strong statistical predictors of whale density, explaining 81 to 99 percent of variability and predicting density estimates to within approximately one individual per 1,000 square kilometers. Specific planktonic communities observed indicated that some predictor taxa may be ecologically associated with whales as parasites, as skin and respiratory microbiome species, or through the food chain of whale prey. This research suggests that using planktonic communities to quantify potential ecological habitat can enhance predictive models for whale distribution.

Migration Patterns and Habitat Use

Fin whales are highly migratory, moving between feeding grounds in high latitudes and breeding grounds in warmer waters. However, recent research has revealed that migration patterns are more complex and variable than previously understood.

A 2019 study in Scientific Reports used passive acoustic monitoring to identify fin whale migratory movements in Australian waters. Sampling was conducted from eight locations around Australia between 2009 and 2017, providing 37 annual migratory records. The earliest arrival was recorded on the Western Australian coast at Cape Leeuwin in April. Whales traveled northward along the Western Australian coast to the Perth Canyon from May to October, which likely acts as a way-station for feeding. Some whales continued migrating as far north as Dampier at 19 degrees south. On the east coast at Tuncurry, fin whale seasonal presence occurred later, from June to late September or October. A total of only 8,024 fin whale pulses were recorded on the east coast compared to 177,328 pulses at the Perth Canyon. The researchers suggested these differences, along with spatial separation between coasts, provide preliminary evidence that fin whales on the east and west coasts constitute separate sub-populations.

A 2025 study in Oceans analyzed 19 years of underwater acoustic recordings from Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization hydrophones off Cape Leeuwin, Western Australia. The recordings monitored fin whales' annual migration from Southern Ocean feeding grounds to tropical breeding grounds. Northward migrants arrived approximately two days per year earlier from 2002 to 2020. The number of hours with fin whale acoustic presence increased by approximately 49 hours per year, and the number of days with acoustic presence increased by approximately 3 days per year. By the end of the 19-year recording period, fin whales were acoustically present on 74 more days than at the beginning. While changes in habitat function, climate, and ambient noise may affect migratory behavior, the most likely explanation is a post-whaling increase in the number of animals of this Southern Hemisphere subspecies.

Not all fin whale populations are strictly migratory. A 2021 study in PLOS ONE documented that Canadian Pacific fin whales (B. p. velifera) have returned to the Kitimat Fjord System in the Great Bear Rainforest and established a seasonally resident population. This is the only fjord system along this coast or elsewhere in which fin whales are known to occur regularly with strong site fidelity. Visual surveys and mark-recapture analysis documented 100 to 120 whales using the fjord system in recent years, with annual return rates higher than 70 percent. Fin whales were observed in most months of the year, with regular presence from June to October and peak abundance in late August to early September. The study noted that the Kitimat Fjord System was the only Canadian Pacific fjord system in which fin whales were commonly found and killed during commercial whaling, pointing to its long-term importance.

A 2024 study in Frontiers in Conservation Science collated evidence from dedicated surveys, opportunistic sightings, and passive acoustic records to assess whether fin whale populations in British Columbia were showing signs of recovery. The evidence suggested that fin whale populations in the northeast Pacific Ocean are repopulating areas along the British Columbia coast recognized as part of their historic range. However, the researchers noted that they are recovering in a different ocean than they were removed from, making them increasingly vulnerable to new anthropogenic threats. The sightings data suggested that, at least for the west coast of Vancouver Island, this repopulation has occurred over a relatively short period, with fin whales still absent from regular surveys as recent as the early 2000s.

Acoustic Behavior and Communication

Fin whales produce low-frequency vocalizations that can travel long distances underwater. These calls are used for communication and potentially for navigation and foraging. The species produces characteristic 20 Hz pulses that are used in passive acoustic monitoring studies.

A 2026 study in Scientific Reports assessed the impact of a 2013 seismic survey offshore northwestern Spain on fin whale vocalizations. Using a convolutional neural network trained on 50 hours of manually labeled acoustic data with 85.6 percent accuracy, the researchers analyzed 63 days of continuous ocean-bottom recordings across four alternating periods with and without airgun shooting. Vocalization detections decreased by 70 percent on average during shooting, with reductions of 52 percent after correcting for worst-case scenario masking. A negative binomial mixed-effects model indicated statistically significant reductions in calling during shooting compared to quiet periods. Calling declined rapidly within one to two days after shooting began, suggesting reduced vocalization or temporary displacement. The researchers noted that while broader ecological implications cannot be determined from this dataset, these findings indicate short-term behavioral responses to seismic activity and underscore the need for further research into potential consequences for communication, foraging, and habitat use.

The acoustic monitoring approach has proven valuable for tracking fin whale populations. The 2019 study in Scientific Reports used passive acoustic monitoring to identify migratory movements in Australian waters, demonstrating that this method can detect fin whale presence over long time periods and across broad geographic areas. The 2025 study in Oceans similarly relied on acoustic recordings from hydrophones to track migration timing and population trends over 19 years.

Conservation Status and Population Trends

The fin whale is listed as endangered globally, with the Southern Hemisphere subspecies classified as vulnerable. Historical commercial whaling severely depleted fin whale populations worldwide, and recovery has been uneven across regions.

The 2025 study in Oceans documented evidence of population growth in southern fin whales off Western Australia. The increase in acoustic presence by approximately 3 days per year over 19 years suggests a post-whaling increase in the number of animals. However, the researchers noted that changes in habitat function, climate, and ambient noise could also affect migratory behavior.

A 2024 study in Frontiers in Conservation Science examined evidence of fin whale recovery in the Canadian Pacific. The researchers found that fin whales are repopulating areas along the British Columbia coast recognized as part of their historic range, with the repopulation of the west coast of Vancouver Island occurring over a relatively short period. The recent acoustic recordings suggested that fin whale presence is not transitory, and that whales may be using locales along the British Columbia coast for feeding and breeding activities. This recovery is relevant to discussions of downlisting their population status in Canada from endangered to threatened.

The Mediterranean Sea hosts a population of fin whales that is the only species of Mysticete regularly occurring in the basin. A 2022 study in Animals presented a comprehensive spatial-temporal overview of fin whale mortality events along the Italian coast spanning four centuries from 1624 to 2021. The study noted that observed and inferred mortality suggests the population is likely declining. Time series analysis highlighted structural changes in the evolution of mortality through time, while spatial-temporal patterns were assessed through emerging hot spot analysis methods. Recent mortality events from 1964 to 2021 were further explored to evaluate primary causes of mortality and identify anthropogenic threats of conservation concern. The researchers emphasized that understanding the causes of mortality and assessing health status is pivotal to the survival of this endangered population.

Threats and Mortality Factors

Ship Strikes

Ship strikes represent a significant threat to fin whales, particularly in areas with heavy maritime traffic. A 2025 study in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering characterized the spatial and temporal exposure of fin whales to maritime traffic during migration through the Strait of Gibraltar. The study integrated validated observations collected between April 2016 and October 2024 with vessel density layers to assess monthly distributions of sightings, individuals, calves, migration patterns, and behavior. A total of 347 sightings comprising 692 individuals were recorded, revealing predominantly westward movements between June and August. Spatial overlap analyses indicated that the highest exposure occurred near the Bay of Algeciras and Gibraltar and in the northern half of the Central Strait, where cargo ship and tanker traffic coincides with dense migration routes and where injuries have been documented in the field. The findings delineate high-risk areas for fin whales and provide an empirical basis for spatial management measures, including speed reduction zones, adaptive route planning, and the possible designation of the area as a cetacean migration corridor.

Historical evidence demonstrates that fin whales can survive ship strikes, though with long-term impairment. A 2023 study in PLOS ONE conducted an osteopathological analysis of a fin whale skeleton curated at the Zoological Museum of Hamburg. The whale was caught during whaling operations in the 1950s. Three-dimensional surface models of the bones revealed multiple healed fractures of ribs and a scapula, deformed spinous processes of several vertebrae, and arthrosis. The pathological findings provide evidence for large blunt trauma and secondary effects arising from it. Reconstruction of the likely cause of events suggests collision with a ship inflicted the fractures and led to post-traumatic posture damage as indicated by skeletal deformations. The injured bones had fully healed before the fin whale was killed by a whaler in the South Atlantic in 1952. This study is the first detailed reconstruction of a historical whale-ship collision in the Southern Hemisphere, dating back to the 1940s, and the first documentation of a healed scapula fracture in a fin whale.

Anthropogenic Noise

Underwater noise from seismic surveys, shipping, and other human activities can disrupt fin whale behavior. The 2026 study in Scientific Reports demonstrated that seismic survey noise reduced fin whale vocalizations by 70 percent on average during airgun shooting offshore northwestern Spain. The rapid decline in calling within one to two days after shooting began suggests reduced vocalization or temporary displacement. While the broader ecological implications cannot be determined from this dataset, the findings indicate short-term behavioral responses to seismic activity.

Plastic Pollution

A 2026 study in Environmental Research assessed the presence and concentration of micro- and nanoplastics in the internal tissues of 13 North Atlantic fin whales. Using fluorescence-based nanocytometry with Nile Red staining, the researchers detected micro- and nanoplastics in the kidney, liver, lung, and skeletal muscle of the whales, with the highest concentrations observed in the lung and skeletal muscle, in which they found a negative correlation with age. Tissue type and age significantly influenced the micro- and nanoplastic load in these tissues, while body size and reproductive state showed no detectable effect. A subset analysis comparing five pregnant females and their foetuses revealed significantly lower micro- and nanoplastic concentrations in foetal tissues, yet confirmed the occurrence of transplacental transfer. These findings provide the first evidence of systemic distribution of nanoplastics in baleen whale tissues and indicate that even early developmental stages may be vulnerable to plastic exposure. Given the whales' filter-feeding behavior and seasonal movements across pollution gradients during migration, the findings underscore the likelihood of persistent exposure to plastic particles.

Research Methods and Monitoring Technologies

Passive Acoustic Monitoring

Passive acoustic monitoring has become a primary tool for studying fin whale distribution and behavior. The 2019 study in Scientific Reports used this approach to identify migratory movements in Australian waters, while the 2025 study in Oceans analyzed 19 years of acoustic recordings from hydrophones off Cape Leeuwin. These studies demonstrate that acoustic monitoring can detect fin whale presence over long time periods and across broad geographic areas, providing data on migration timing, population trends, and habitat use.

Remote Sensing Technologies

A 2025 study presented at the International Conference on Image Processing, Applications and Systems integrated hyperspectral imaging, satellite imagery, and thermal imaging to develop a comprehensive whale detection system for the Indian Ocean. Hyperspectral imaging captured the spectral reflectance of whale skin, enabling detection under varying water conditions. Satellite imagery aided in identifying subsurface features, while thermal imaging detected whales' thermal signatures. Machine learning algorithms processed the combined data to enhance detection accuracy and reliability. The integrated system demonstrated effective detection of whales at various depths and environmental conditions, with an accuracy of 0.96. The researchers noted that hyperspectral imaging proved sensitive to water turbidity and target reflectance, while the coastal blue band successfully identified subsurface whale features.

Stable Isotope Analysis

Stable isotope analysis provides insights into fin whale trophic ecology and movement patterns. The 2023 study in Marine Environmental Research used carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur stable isotope ratios of fin whale skin samples to examine evidence of temporal isotopic shifts that could provide information on potential migratory movements and to estimate likely consumption patterns of putative prey. This approach allows researchers to infer feeding habits and habitat use without direct observation.

Aerial Photogrammetry

While developed for sperm whales, aerial photogrammetry methods have potential applications for fin whale research. A 2026 study in Scientific Reports developed a minimally invasive method to infer the developmental stage and sex of sperm whales using uncrewed aerial vehicle photogrammetry. The researchers leveraged historic whaling data on growth and sexual dimorphism to assign developmental stages to individuals based on body lengths and applied Bayesian theory to estimate the probability that individuals were female based on morphometry. This method offers an efficient, low-cost means of obtaining demographic information from live whales.

Regional Populations and Special Habitats

Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea hosts a population of fin whales that is the only species of Mysticete regularly occurring in the basin. A 2022 study in Animals noted that observed and inferred mortality suggests the population is likely declining. The study presented a comprehensive spatial-temporal overview of fin whale mortality events along the Italian coast spanning four centuries from 1624 to 2021. A 2016 review in Advances in Marine Biology examined fin whales in the changing Mediterranean Sea, though the full text was not available for detailed analysis.

The Strait of Gibraltar serves as a key biogeographic and ecological corridor connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, enabling seasonal migrations of fin whales. The 2025 study in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering identified high-risk areas for fin whales throughout the Strait and proposed spatial management measures including speed reduction zones and adaptive route planning.

North Sea and Northern Adriatic

Fin whales have been documented in the North Sea and northern Adriatic. A 1995 study in Lutra examined feeding fin whales in the North Sea, while a 2004 study in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom documented the occurrence of fin whales in the northern Adriatic. These records indicate that fin whales occasionally use semi-enclosed seas and coastal waters beyond their primary habitat.

Chukotka Peninsula

A 2000 study in Zoologicheskii Zhurnal documented fin whales in waters off the Chukotka Peninsula, providing information on the species' distribution in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.

Canadian Pacific Fjord Systems

The Kitimat Fjord System in the Great Bear Rainforest represents a unique case of fin whales establishing a seasonally resident population in coastal waters. The 2021 study in PLOS ONE documented that Canadian Pacific fin whales have returned to this fjord system and established a seasonally resident population with strong site fidelity. This is the only fjord system along this coast or elsewhere in which fin whales are known to occur regularly with strong site fidelity. The study noted that traditional knowledge, whaling records, and citizen science databases suggest that fin whales were extirpated from this area prior to their return in 2005 to 2006.

Common Misconceptions and Identification Challenges

Several misconceptions about fin whales persist in public understanding. First, fin whales are sometimes confused with blue whales due to their similar size and coloration. The asymmetrical jaw coloration of fin whales, with a white lower right jaw and dark lower left jaw, is a distinguishing feature. Second, fin whales are sometimes assumed to be exclusively oceanic, but research has demonstrated that certain populations use coastal areas and semi-enclosed seas. The 2021 study in PLOS ONE documented fin whales in a Canadian Pacific fjord system, and the 2004 study in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom documented their occurrence in the northern Adriatic.

Third, there is a misconception that all fin whale populations are migratory. While many populations do migrate between feeding and breeding grounds, some populations show year-round presence in certain areas. The 2023 stable isotope study in Marine Environmental Research suggested that fin whales in the Humboldt Current System may feed year-round in these waters.

Limitations in Current Knowledge

Several gaps remain in scientific understanding of fin whales. The 2019 study in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution demonstrated that taxonomic conclusions based on mitochondrial DNA alone can be erroneous due to sampling effects. The 2024 study in Systematic Biology reinforced the pitfalls of relying on concatenated or single-locus phylogenies to determine taxonomic relationships below the species level.

The 2019 study in Scientific Reports noted that no peer-reviewed studies were available to indicate the migratory movements of fin whales in Australian waters prior to their research. This highlights the general lack of baseline data for many fin whale populations.

The 2026 study in Scientific Reports on seismic survey noise noted that broader ecological implications cannot be determined from their dataset, underscoring the need for further research into potential consequences for communication, foraging, and habitat use.

The 2026 study in Environmental Research on micro- and nanoplastics noted that body size and reproductive state showed no detectable effect on micro- and nanoplastic load, considering the limited sample size. The researchers emphasized the need to better understand the drivers of tissue concentration as well as the toxicological effects of micro- and nanoplastics on marine megafauna.

Professional Escalation Criteria

For researchers, conservation managers, and marine professionals working with fin whales, several situations warrant escalation to specialized expertise:

1. Stranding events: Any fin whale stranding should be reported to local marine mammal stranding networks immediately. The 2022 study in Animals demonstrated that mortality events provide opportunities to investigate biological and epidemiological traits and evaluate the footprint of human activity.

2. Ship strike documentation: Any observed or suspected ship strike should be documented with photographs, location data, and vessel information. The 2025 study in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering identified high-risk areas in the Strait of Gibraltar where injuries have been documented in the field.

3. Acoustic disturbance events: Seismic surveys or other high-intensity noise sources in areas of known fin whale habitat should trigger monitoring protocols. The 2026 study in Scientific Reports demonstrated that vocalization detections decreased by 70 percent on average during airgun shooting.

4. Unusual mortality events: Clusters of fin whale deaths should be investigated as potential unusual mortality events requiring coordinated response from multiple agencies.

5. Taxonomic uncertainty: Genetic samples that suggest unexpected population structure should be referred to specialized laboratories with expertise in population genomics. The 2019 study in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution demonstrated that apparent monophyly can be due to low sample sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large is a fin whale compared to a blue whale?

The fin whale is the second largest animal on Earth, with adults typically ranging from 18 to 26 meters in length and weighing 40 to 80 tonnes. The blue whale is larger, reaching up to 30 meters and weighing over 150 tonnes. Female fin whales are generally larger than males.

What do fin whales eat?

Fin whales are filter feeders that consume krill, copepods, and small schooling fish. A 2023 stable isotope study in Marine Environmental Research identified zooplankton, krill, pelagic fishes, and Pleuroncodes species as putative prey in the Humboldt Current System. Their feeding mechanism involves lunging with an open mouth to engulf water and prey, then filtering through baleen plates.

Are fin whales endangered?

Yes, the fin whale is listed as endangered globally. The Southern Hemisphere subspecies is classified as vulnerable. The 2025 study in Oceans noted that the population of southern fin whales was severely depleted by 19th and 20th century whaling and that recovery has been slow. However, some populations show signs of recovery, including in the Canadian Pacific where a 2024 study in Frontiers in Conservation Science documented repopulation of historic range areas.

How do fin whales migrate?

Fin whales are highly migratory, moving between feeding grounds in high latitudes and breeding grounds in warmer waters. A 2019 study in Scientific Reports documented migration through Australian waters, with earliest arrival at Cape Leeuwin in April and northward movement along the Western Australian coast. However, not all populations are strictly migratory, with some showing year-round presence in certain areas.

What are the main threats to fin whales?

The main threats to fin whales include ship strikes, anthropogenic noise, plastic pollution, and the legacy of historical whaling. A 2025 study in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering identified high-risk areas for ship strikes in the Strait of Gibraltar. A 2026 study in Scientific Reports demonstrated that seismic survey noise reduces fin whale vocal

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References and Further Reading

• NCBI Literature Resources. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
• PubMed. National Library of Medicine.
• Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Mortality along the Italian Coast between 1624 and 2021.. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2022.
• Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) migration in Australian waters using passive acoustic monitoring.. Scientific reports, 2019.
• Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) mitogenomics: A cautionary tale of defining sub-species from mitochondrial sequence monophyly.. Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 2019.
• Multiple stable isotopes (C, N & S) provide evidence for fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) trophic ecology and movements in the Humboldt Current System of northern Chile.. Marine environmental research, 2023.
• Phylogenomics and Pervasive Genome-Wide Phylogenetic Discordance Among Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus).. Systematic biology, 2024.
• Fin whales of the Great Bear Rainforest: Balaenoptera physalus velifera in a Canadian Pacific fjord system.. PloS one, 2021.
• Fin Whales, Balaenoptera physalus: At Home in a Changing Mediterranean Sea?. Advances in marine biology, 2016.
• Osteo-pathological analysis provides evidence for a survived historical ship strike in a Southern Hemisphere fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus).. PloS one, 2023.
• Methods for tagging whale sharks: insights into performance and best practices with a focus on clamp attachments.. 2026.
• Microbial and small zooplankton communities predict density of baleen whales in the southern California Current Ecosystem.. 2026.
• Seismic survey noise reduces fin whale vocalisations offshore northwestern Spain.. 2026.
• Systemic distribution and transplacental transfer of micro- and nanoplastics in a filter-feeding marine predator.. 2026.
• Inferring sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) sex and developmental stage using aerial photogrammetry.. 2026.
• Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Migration in the Strait of Gibraltar: Evaluating Maritime Traffic Threats and Conservation Measures. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2025.
• Fin Whale Acoustic Presence Increases by 3 d/y in the Migratory Corridor off Cape Leeuwin, Western Australia-An Indicator of Population Growth?. Oceans, 2025.
• Advanced remote sensing techniques for underwater Fin whale detection in the Indian Ocean. International Conference on Image Processing, Applications and Systems, 2025.
• Evidence of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus velifera) recovery in the Canadian Pacific. Frontiers in Conservation Science, 2024.
• Feeding fin whales Balaenoptera physalus in the North Sea. Lutra, 1995.
• On the occurrence of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in the northern Adriatic. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 2004.
• The fin whale Balaenoptera physalus in waters off the Chukotka Peninsula. Zoologicheskii Zhurnal, 2000.

This article is educational and does not replace institutional policy, professional advice, or applicable safety and regulatory requirements.