Giant Whale's Arrival: Taiwan Records First Complete Fin Whale Beaching

A juvenile fin whale's stranding unveils critical insights into marine life and conservation efforts.

Taipei, April 3rd - In a landmark event for marine research in Taiwan, the Taiwan Cetacean Society (TCS) announced the confirmation of a complete fin whale beaching. This marks the first documented instance of its kind in the country, offering a unique opportunity for scientific investigation.

The whale, discovered in early March, measured an impressive 10.5 meters in length. Through detailed analysis, the TCS confirmed the whale's identity as a fin whale calf. The determination was made based on the incomplete fusion of its vertebral growth plates.

Reports of the beached whale first emerged on March 3rd, when its carcass was found on the rocky shores of a lake on Guishan Island's northern coast. The remote and challenging terrain initially hampered immediate investigation. However, with crucial support from government agencies, a TCS team was able to access the site on March 27th.

The TCS team meticulously collected samples and retrieved the whale's complete skeleton. Researchers noted multiple fractures along the whale's vertebrae, prompting further investigation to determine the cause of the injuries. Skin and muscle samples have been sent to the National Museum of Natural Science for comprehensive analysis.

Fin whales, recognized as the second-largest marine mammals after blue whales, can reach lengths of 22-23 meters and weigh between 40-50 metric tons as adults. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies them as a "vulnerable" species. Taiwan serves as the southernmost habitat for the North Pacific fin whale population, highlighting the importance of this discovery for conservation efforts.