The second largest mammal of earth, the mighty fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is frequently seen in Irish inshore waters during the autumn and winter months. A pelagic species that spends most of their time well offshore; these large baleen whales move into coastal waters off the southern Irish coastline every year in search of the herring shoals on which they feed. Numbers vary each year but Ireland is one of the few locations in the world where fin whales can be seen with a land backdrop as they venture as close as a few hundred meters off the rocky shoreline.
Little is known of the movement patterns of this large cetacean in the northern hemisphere but the north Atlantic population is considered to number in the region of 14,000 animals. Whaling activities were responsible for the serious decline in their numbers globally but a moratorium on commercial whaling put in place in the mid 1980′s saw an increase in their numbers both north and south of the equator. Inclusion of this “at risk” species in the current commercial whaling campaigns of Iceland and Japan may jeopardize their precarious conservation status.
Two adult fin whales
A sub adult fin whale sounding after taking three breaths at the surface
Sun reflecting off the back of a sub adult fin whale prior to diving
Hi Nic, fascinating article about Fin Whales. I spend several months each year in West Cork but have never been lucky enough to see one of these magnificent creatures. I would be interested to know which time of the year and where in southern Ireland you get the best sightings. Hoping to meet you on my next trip to West Cork.
Hi Ken. Timing varies a bit each year and the last two years have seen them further east. However, off The Galley Head in West Cork is one of the best places and anytime from July onward really. 2011 they put in an appearance off Toe Head and south of Cape Clear Island in July but by November they had moved further east off Youghal. Small numbers but fascinating animals. Poor sea conditions in the autumn curtailed watching a bit! Give me a shout when you are next over…would love to meet and compare notes. I have seen some of your images taken in West Cork.