The minke whale around the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

Based upon the information taken from the whaling statistics, strandings and sightings around the Iberian Península, 31 records of the appearance of the minke whale were compiled and analyzed. There is an increasing number of records in recent years. The information available shows that all the sightings were made in the period between April and November irrespective of the position of the observation, while the strandings occur all the year round. All the stranding records come from the coast of the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic front with none from the South Atlantic nor Mediterranean coasts. Most of the animals stranded measured less than 5 m. total length, and sorne of them probably, hadn't reached six months of age. The occurrences of minke whale in the area are discussed, dismissing the possibility that this may be a common species in the Iberian continental shelf. Sorne evidence is presented, supporting the hypothesis of a relationship between the animals found in these waters and a westerly migrational pattern of the species.