Minkes are the smallest of the rorqual whales. There are distinct
northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere sub-species, with the northern subspecies
being slightly smaller than the southern subspecies.
As the smallest rorquals, minkes were the last to be exploited
by whalers when the larger animals had been reduced to a level where they were no
longer able to be profitably exploited, so the minkes were targeted as the species
of last choice.
Minkes are fast swimming - over 20 kph, meaning that they were
difficult to catch too as well as being a relatively small catch.
Minkes are still hunted for "scientific" reasons by Japan, though
large quantities of the meat turns up in very expensive restaurants.
Like other rorquals, minkes migrate to tropical
or warm temperate waters in the winter months and spend the summer months at higher
latitudes in polar waters where the long day length leads to algal blooms in
the sea and associated increases in plankton and fish stocks means good a
feeding time.
Minke whales are generally solitary
animals or they are seen in pairs or threes. Larger groups are sometimes found in
high latitudes in both hemispheres and groups may number 10 to 15 individuals. Minkes
often approach boats, especially when stationary, and are notoriously inquisitive,
as such they are more likely to be seen closely than other rorquals.
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