……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 Identification

Field marks: Large, dark above, light below, paler on neck, white lower rt. Jaw, dark left jaw, with ridge on back between dorsal fin and flukes. Tall blow up to 6m, every 15 sec. Dive 5-15 mins. Does not breach or show tail flukes. Usually alone or in pairs. Fast swimmer over short distances. Surfaces with blow holes first followed by dorsal fin.

Similar species: Sei Whale same size but both jaws black and Sei surfaces with blow holes and dorsal fin at same time. Blue Whale is larger, the Minke Whale is smaller. The Humpback Whale is darker and raises tail flukes.