……objective science for conservation…….

The Pacific WildLife Foundation is a non-profit coastal and marine research and education society  that inspires an appreciation for objective scientific research and conservation of the ocean. We conduct original research, develop novel education programs, and inspire an appreciation for conservation of the ocean. 

Fin Whale Balaenoptera physalus

Fin Whale Conservation

The speedy fin whale was avoided by whalers until the invention of high speed boats. After that, 750,000 fin whales were hunted (Wilson and Ruff 1999). Although so many were killed a century ago, today the fin whale is likely recovering quickly although it is considered an endangered species by the IUCN. Ship-strikes are an important cause of fin whale mortality (Laist et al. 2001). Most lethal or severe injuries involve ships traveling over 14 knots.