Six Rorquals Including Mum And Calf Spotted Off Spanish Coast

These images show how six fin whales, including a mother and her calf, were spotted off Spain's Mediterranean coast.

The Association for the Study and Dissemination of the Aquatic Environment (EDMAKTUB) said that it was delighted at the sightings, which come at a time of higher temperatures and lack of rain, which means that there is likely to be less food around for the whales in the area.

The footage shows the fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea off the Catalan coast. It is reportedly the first time that a calf has been spotted in the area since 2017.

The touching images show the whales coming up for air and blowing water and air out of their blowholes.

The footage also shows the calf swimming under the watchful gaze of its mother.

Newsflash obtained a statement from EDMAKTUB dated Tuesday, 28th March and saying: "The EDMAKTUB association starts the 2023 season of the Fin Whale Project. The first sightings of Mediterranean whales include a female with a calf."

The Barcelona-based association added: "This March, the EDMAKTUB association launched the campaigns for the 2023 Fin Whale Project.

"The season begins with weather marked by high temperatures and lack of rain. Thus, there is an uncertain presence of individuals due to the possible lack of food this season."

"However, among the six individuals already sighted, there is a mother and a calf. The last calf sighted was in 2017, and the scarce presence in recent years is concerning. Of the animals genetically analysed through skin samples, 50 per cent are females."

Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), also known as common rorquals, are listed as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.