Blue Whale - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Balaenoptera musculus

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 24 May 2002

Profile last updated: 31 Mar 2023

Description

Largest marine mammal up to 33 m long. The head and back are dark slate blue with patches on the side that are pale in colour. Underside often has a sulphur like appearance. Dorsal fin is triangular and very low and placed well back on the body. A tall relatively narrow blow rises to 10 m.

Distribution

Oceanic within Southern Hemisphere between 20 degrees to 70 degrees South including NSW waters.

Habitat and ecology

Breeds in warm water at low latitudes, preferring open seas rather than coastal waters.
Often feeds during spring and summer on krill close to the ice edge.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Ocean

Threats

Collision with boats and other marine traffic.
Accidental entanglement in nets, traps, longline and other fishing gear.
Marine debris, particularly plastic, which can cause suffocation, abrasion, infection or blockages in the whale's system when swallowed.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Boats should avoid cutting in front of travelling whales.
Swimmers should not approach within 30 m of any whale.
Planes should not approach within 300 m of any whale. Helicopters 400 m.
Avoid discarding any debris at sea.

Information sources

Bannister, J. (2008) Great Whales. (CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood)
Department of the Environment and Heritage (2005) Blue, Fin and Sei Whale National Recovery Plan (2005-2010). (DEH, Canberra)
NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Blue Whale - Endangered species determination - final.
Shirihai, H. and Jarrett, B. (2006) Whales, Dolphins and Seals: A Field Guide to the Marine Mammals of the World. (A & C Black Publishers, London)
Smith, P.J. (2001) Review of the Conservation Status Of Marine Mammal Species In New South Wales. A report to the NSW Scientific Committee. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Images

Adult and calf just above water-line <a href="http://www.lochmantransparencies.com" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Lochman Transparencies</a>

Adult and calf just above water-line Lochman Transparencies
Enlarge image

Related information

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Nature conservation

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