Fin whales can reach lengths of 59 to 72 feet (20 to 24 m), and weights of 30 to 80 tons, although individuals have been known to reach 85 feet (26 m). This species is the second largest animal living today, with only the
Blue Whale being larger. Fin whales have a worldwide distribution, but are most common in temperate waters and in the southern hemisphere, and least common in the tropics. They tend to stay in offshore waters, but may be seen close to shore in deep-water areas. Some populations of Fin whales may migrate between relatively warm low latitude areas in winter and cooler high latitude areas in summer, but their movements seem to be less predictable than other large whale species. Fin whales are not as inquisitive as Humpback whales, but they do not tend to actively avoid boats. They are fast swimmers, which has helped them to avoid the sort of damage to their populations that has been suffered by Humpbacks, and their worldwide population is believed to be over 100,000.
Right whales can reach lengths of 36 to 59 feet (11-18 m) and weights of 30 to 80 tons. Two, possibly three, species of Right Whale are known, the Northern and the Southern, with the Northern Right Whale being the species seen off the coast of Virginia. Both species can be found in the cold waters of temperate and sub-polar regions in their respective hemispheres. They tend to spend winters in colder latitudes, and migrate to warmer latitudes for breeding in the summer. The Right Whale's name came from its designation by whalers as the "right" whale to hunt. They are slow swimmers, are easy to approach, are found close to shore, and float when dead (many whale species sink when killed), making them easy to hunt. Right Whales have been protected since 1937, but only the southern species is showing signs of recovery, Northern Right Whales populations are estimated at only about 300 individuals worldwide.
Whale sightings are not guaranteed during any of the museum's boat trips, so you must be prepared for disappointment. During the whale-watching trip that my husband and I took in February 2004, we were not fortunate enough to see any whales, possibly due to a harsh winter storm that hit the area that weekend. We did have an enjoyable time chatting with the knowledgeable museum staff, who showed us examples of whale baleen, and told us stories of previous whale sightings. The museum staff also pointed out different species of birds that we saw during our trip, which helped to make up for not seeing any whales. Bird species that you might see during a whale-watching trip are: Northern gannet, brown pelican, double-crested cormorant, terns, loons, and gulls.
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to
Beverly Eschberger's
Paleontology topic, please visit the Discussions page.
