First research sightings of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in coastal waters of the Maltese Islands, central-southern Mediterranean

Abstract

Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) have been recorded in coastal waters of the Maltese Islands for the first time between July and August 2007 during ongoing cetacean scientific surveys, at an average distance from the Maltese coasts of about 4kms and in waters of average depth of 167 meters. This first coastal Fin whales’ approach, recorded as part of a long-term cetacean research, in the central-southern Mediterranean region encompassing a research area of 100,000km2, since 1997, may indicate range expansion or redistribution of some Fin whales in the Mediterranean or a singular event. Investigating the reasons behind these approaches and planning conservation measures for such presence in high vessel traffic regions of the Mediterranean is necessary.