Whales - Species | North Pacific Right Whale

North Pacific Right Whale - Eubalaena japonica

The North Pacific Right Whale is identifiable by its large head, covered by lighter-coloured callosities. Their huge bodies are blue, and their underbody is mottled with white patches. Their chins are darker in colour than the rest of their bodies. Their arched mouth begins above the eye and sets the Right Whales apart from their counterparts. They have no dorsal fin, and their pectoral fins are large and flat.

The North Pacific Right Whale’s population has decreased to an astounding number of between 100 and 300 of these mighty mammals. This is largely due to illegal whaling, conducted by the Soviet Union in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Whaling was banned in 1935 after the various species if the Right Whale were depleted after excessive whaling in the early 20th century. The World Conservation Union has acknowledged that the current status of the North Pacific Right Whale population may be beyond recovery, and it has been dubbed the most endangered whale on earth by the Center for Biological Diversity.

This sad situation was brought about because of the abundance of Right Whales, as well as the value of their oil and the fact that their carcasses would float to the surface of the water once harpooned. This is owing to the low density of their fat compared to their watery surrounds. In addition, Right Whales are relatively easy to approach, and usually found in the shallower waters. These factors made them the ideal prey for greedy whale hunters. Eventually, the whales were also slaughtered for their meat and bones, making them a valuable commodity even more in demand.

This hunting was commenced by the Japanese in the 16th century. The Europeans started to hunt these magnificent animals in British Columbia in the 1800’s. However, after its peak in the 1840’s, whale hunting experienced a sharp decline as it moved to new hunting grounds, the Sea of Okhotsk and Bering Strait region.

Right Whales, as a whole, are playful and inquisitive swimmers. They tend to move slowly, crashing into the water with dramatic displays of power. Their acrobatic antics charm avid whale viewers the world over as they frequent the shores during their calving season. This curious nature has lead to many dangerous encounters for these peaceful giants, but also allows for prime viewing opportunities. Notable behavior is the flipper wave above the ocean’s surface.