Sanctuary of the Pelagos Agreement: Fin whale without caudal fin in difficulty

For several weeks now, the ACCOBAMS Permanent Secretariat has been monitoring the progress of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) with its tail fin removed.

Since 11^th June, the animal has moved from the coast of Calabria in southern Italy towards the northern Mediterranean along the Ligurian and Tuscan coasts. According to our most recent information, the animal is currently reported to be off the coast of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, in the Department of Maritime Alps (France).

This fin whale, well known to experts in the ACCOBAMS area since it has been photographed several times, appears thinned and weakened, with numerous parasites, following the loss of its tail fin last fall, probably due to a collision with a vessel or entanglement in a net.

As the passage of this animal is widely reported in the media, further exposure to other sources of disturbance should be avoided at all costs, given its very worrying state of health.

In case of observation of the animal, and in order to facilitate communication and cross-border cooperation between the Countries concerned, please contact the following competent authorities: