Rare Sighting: Humpback Visits The Baltic
By Matt J. Weiss, July 30, 2008 @ 02:00 AM (EST)
Source: baltic.vtt.fi
After studying marine mammals in the Baltic Sea for 5 months last fall, it was very interesting to hear that a Humpback whale-a 12 meter one no less-was spotted there. The Baltic has a relatively small density of resident marine mammals. Common mammals are really limited to ringed seals, harbor seals grey seals and harbor porpoises. Hence only two families are represented: the phocids, or true seals, and the odontocetes, or toothed whales. One common theory is that the Baltic cannot support large mammals because there isn't sufficient amounts of prey. This is especially true in the lower part of the Baltic, where freshwater run-off creates a brackish to freshwater habitat. Worse, the resident mammals are suffering from by-catch and other hazards associated with a sea being surrounded by large human population.
However, this has not stopped visiting mammals from stopping by. Since 1978 there have been sightings of another odontocite-killer whales. Less common still, is the other family of whales, Mysticeti, of baleen whales. However, a large 12 meter humpback whale has just been spotted off Ruegen, a German island in the Baltic. This is very exciting and interesting, however its not the first time they have been seen in the Baltic. In 10 different years since 1620 Humpback sightings have been made, most recently in 1978. Obviously this is not a common sighting. The 12 meter behemoth must be an adult because of its size, although humpbacks can reach up to 16 meters. Weighing up to 36,000 kilos and living up to 50 years, these singing, gentle giants are truly special animals. Humpbacks are making a come back after dangerously low numbers.
That said it is still strange that the Humpback has meandered into the Baltic. Has it lost its way? I am not sure for the reason that an adult baleen whale would enter the Baltic, but it would be very interesting to hear some theories and find out. Either way, its special treat for those that were able to spot the animal (and photograph it!) off the German Island.
However, this has not stopped visiting mammals from stopping by. Since 1978 there have been sightings of another odontocite-killer whales. Less common still, is the other family of whales, Mysticeti, of baleen whales. However, a large 12 meter humpback whale has just been spotted off Ruegen, a German island in the Baltic. This is very exciting and interesting, however its not the first time they have been seen in the Baltic. In 10 different years since 1620 Humpback sightings have been made, most recently in 1978. Obviously this is not a common sighting. The 12 meter behemoth must be an adult because of its size, although humpbacks can reach up to 16 meters. Weighing up to 36,000 kilos and living up to 50 years, these singing, gentle giants are truly special animals. Humpbacks are making a come back after dangerously low numbers.
That said it is still strange that the Humpback has meandered into the Baltic. Has it lost its way? I am not sure for the reason that an adult baleen whale would enter the Baltic, but it would be very interesting to hear some theories and find out. Either way, its special treat for those that were able to spot the animal (and photograph it!) off the German Island.
-Matt Weiss
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