Humpback Whales in Forillon

Think all whales of a same species look exactly the same? Think again! As humans can be identified without a doubt by their fingerprints, whales also display distinctive markings allowing researchers to identify each particular individual. As these markings are more visible than in other species, the Humpback whale is the best known and most studied large whale.

How does one learn about these animals? Mostly by photo identification. Humpbacks show their tail when diving and the pattern underneath the fluke is unique to each individual. By gathering and comparing photos, catalogs of individuals can be gathered. Often other marks (scars, discoloration) can be found elsewhere on the body and will also help identify the whale. A biopsy (a lab analysis of a skin and fat sample) will further knowledge of the individual, such as its gender and genetic links to previously studied whales.

Humpback whales are identified with a letter (H for ‘humpback’) and a unique id number. They may also have a name.

The Mingan Island Cetacean Studies (MICS) www.rorqual.com play a major part in the research and identification of whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. They have greatly contributed to the information you see below.

Have you photographed whale flukes aboard our vessel? Should you want to contribute to knowing more about Forillon's whales, send us your high resolution images at info@baleines-forillon.com. Please indicate the date of the cruise. We will gladly get back to you via email. Who knows? You may help identify a new whale!

Some of the identified Humpback Whales known to Forillon:

Name	Gender	Comments
H642 Sleepy	M	Seen at the beginning of July 08 and again at the beginning of August.
H492 Irisept	F	A very common whale, seen every year in the past three years but always at the beginning of the summer, June and July.
H009 Fleuret	F	Calf of H008 Pseudo, and well-known whale in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, first identified by the MICS in 1982. In the past three years, Fleuret has been a loyal Forillon visitors every early July.
H002 Splish	F	In 2008, Splish spent most of September around Forillon. The previous years, it was seen mostly from mid-June to mid-July. Splish was first identified in 1980 by the MICS. That makes Splish at least 39 years old.
H692	not yet determined	H692 is the offspring of H002 Splish. Seen in September 2008 (alone) and at the end of July 07 with Splish.