Fin Whale in the Salish Sea

The Whale Museum shares this story of a fin whale in our area…

Fin Whale Photo ©Christopher S. Teren terenphotography.com

In addition to frequent visits from our Southern Resident killer whales, each year brings surprises to the Salish Sea. The biggest surprise this year was the presence of the second largest species of whale on the planet: a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus).

Fin whales can reach up to 75 feet in length and typically feed on krill or other small schooling fish. This particular fin whale was first spotted in the inland waters on September 6, 2015 near Hein Bank, just south of San Juan Island. The animal has remained in the Salish Sea for over a month, most recently seen last weekend. It seems to stay fairly close to the waters around Smith and Minor Islands, occasionally wandering north towards the south end of Lopez Island.

There appeared to be evidence of a healed over wound on its right side, but those fortunate enough to witness the animal in action have reported that it was behaving normally and was even spotted lunge feeding on multiple occasions.

Although humpbacks, minkes, and gray whales are commonly sighted in the Salish Sea, fin whales are more typically located in offshore waters. According to The Whale Museum’s long-term sightings database, the last confirmed sighting of a fin whale in the Salish Sea was in 2005 when one was photographed near Race Rocks, B.C.

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