The Northern minke whale, most often referred to as the minke whale in the UK, is found throughout the oceans of the Northern Hemisphere. They are markedly smaller than the other baleen whales found in UK seas, though it is sometimes difficult to judge size at sea! Minke whales are generally spotted alone or in small feeding groups feasting on schools of fish or krill. They are what is known as a "gulp feeder", meaning they take a huge gulp of fish and push the seawater out through the baleen plates that line their mouths. You can sometimes spot minke whales lunge feeding into a school of fish near the surface.
How to identify
A small streamlined rorqual whale reaching an adult length of 7-9m. Minke whales have a sleek, dark grey body and a tall sickle shaped fin that curves backwards. Look out for the distinctive white "armbands" on the pectoral fins (front flippers). Their blow is weak or invisible.
Did you know?
Minke whale vocalisations can be as loud as 150 decibels - that’s the same as a jet plane taking off! This allows them to communicate over long distances underwater.
