Whales

Northern Minke Whale - Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Within the Common Minke Whale category, there are several sub-species, including Scammon's Minke Whale (which hails from the North Pacific) and the Southern Hemisphere whale, the Dwarf Minke. All varieties of Minke were once considered to be of one species. However, the Northern Minke Whale has unique mitochondrial DNA and this has, based on extensive research, set this particular species apart in its own rights. One of the whales that the Northern Minke Whale was considered to share their species with was the Antarctic Minke Whale. However, there are several differences. Firstly, the Northern Minke Whale is slightly smaller. In addition, the Antarctic Minke Whales have fewer white / light markings on their flippers, and fewer incidents of major body colouration.

The Northern Minke Whale has made its home in the salty blues of the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, while its dwarf counterparts occupy the southern oceans. The numbers of the Northern Minke Whale are relatively high and stable, as it has been categorised as Lower Risk, near threatened, by the IUCN red list. Because they are quite common, whale-watching excursions often focus on finding them. This is particularly true of Scotland’s Isle of Mull, County Cork in Ireland and Icelandic Hüsavik. As avid whale-watchers look on, many find themselves experiencing the distinct feeling that they, in turn, are being watched by these majestic beasts. They are curious and tend to approach groups of people in order to satisfy their nosy nature. In fact, they get so close to the boats that the whale-watchers are able to smell their (rather unpleasant) breaths. For this reason, they have come to be known as “Stinky Minkes”.

While these impressive creatures are generally easy to spot and observe, they are not likely to leap acrobatically out of the water or to display their fluke out of the water, as many other species do. In addition, they can dive deep into the icy waters for up to 20 minutes without surfacing for air. Hence, whale-watchers will need to cultivate some patience when embarking on a trip to view Northern Minke Whales.

Unfortunately, the Northern Minke Whale has also been the victim of cruel whale hunters, a common practice from as early as the 11th century. For nearly 1000 years, these magnificent animals were harpooned for their oil, meat and bone, until the general moratorium introduced in the late 1980’s. It was during the late 1930’s, however, that whales (including the Northern Minke Whale) became targeted specifically by countries such as Brazil, Japan, Korea, Greenland, Norway, China and Canada. Even today, the Northern Minke Whale continues to be threatened by Japan and Iceland, who continue to hunt whales on the basis of “scientific grounds”. Understandably, environmental groups are strongly opposed to these activities and will continue to rebel until such a time when appropriate action is taken to put a final stop to the slaying.