Whale Pectoral Flippers

Looking at Humpback whale pectoral flipper from a distance it’s difficult to realize how big they are. These limbs are one third the length of the whale, and can be up to fifteen feet (4.6 metres) long for a full size Humpback whale. Although we primarily use the underside of the tail to idententify the individual whale, a Humpback pectoral flipper is also like a fingerprint with unique markings, scratches and bumps. These bumps on the leading edge of the limb actually help reduce drag, allowing them to glide through the water easier. Unfortunately, they can also be a detriment when it comes to entanglements in trap lines, especially if they have barnacles growing on them. The rough tops of barnacles can embed in trap lines, if growing on any part of the whale, basically capturing the trap.

In comparison, Orca have more of a rounded smooth edged paddle shape pectoral flipper allowing them to move much quicker through the water. They are also less likely to get caught up in trap lines with their smoother surface.

Pectoral flippers have a bone and cartillage structure, think of a limb, whereas fins, such as dorsal fins, do not. Many people frequently mis-speak and call them pectoral fins, including myself. All cetacea (whales, dolphins, porpoise), as well as pinnipeds (seals, sealions and walrus) have flippers. Pectoral flippers are also stabilizers for all these mammals, assisting in controlling their movements and direction of travel.

The Federal Government (DFO) statement about watching whales in the wild: “To address disturbance in the presence of whales, a mandatory 400-metre vessel approach distance for all killer whales is in effect starting June 1, 2020 in all southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. The Marine Mammal Regulations continue to remain in effect year-round, including maintaining a minimum 200 metre approach distance from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters other than described above, and 100 metres for other whales, porpoises and dolphins OR 200 metres when the animal is in resting position or with a calf.”

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.