Fin Whales Are Back!

Last week, a group of 5 or 6 fin whales was blowing off Franquelin. “We got a great look at their big backs,” explains one cetacean enthusiast who was present, “they don’t call them the greyhound of the seas for nothing! Indeed, this is one of the nicknames given to these giants. One of the fastest of all cetaceans, the fin whale has a cruise velocity of 10 to 15 km/h, but can “max out” at 40 km/h. The species relies on its powerful muscles to propel its caudal fin up and down, creating an efficient swimming machine. Its hydrodynamic morphology, which reduces the friction of water on its body, also allows it to reach high speeds.

On May 15, the spout of a humpback whale blurs the horizon. Unlike fin whales with their slim, streamlined body, humpbacks are not built for speed. They have rough skin, protuberances and a curvy, stocky profile.

Harbour seals were present last weekend in Pointe-des-Monts. A minke whale made a discreet appearance near the Mingan Islands, while in Blanc-Sablon, a group of about four whales was stirring near the last traces of ice in the bay. Far from shore, one observer wondered about their ID, but the individuals were too distant to capture images that might be useful for determining the species. Their behaviour was also intriguing, as the individuals crossed paths with one another as if they were hunting or playing.