Thanks to Robert Bartlett and
Garth Olinik for this great close-up
of a Minke Whale.
Copyright 2001 Robert Bartlett
Location: Cupids ,NF, Conception Bay
Date : August 10th ,2001
This great photo was taken during the the recreational cod fishery
in Cupids Harbour. That day the boys photographed at least 12 different
Minke's that were feeding on large schools of capelin. Some Interesting Facts
Whales of Newfoundland and the North Atlantic
A
large number of whales migrate into the waters off the coast of
Newfoundland.Normally
there are about 17 species present, seasonally or annually. The
warm Gulf Stream and cool Labrador currents converge on the east
coast of Newfoundland creating one of the richest marine
environments in the world. The majestic humpbacks are most well
known to arrive off the Eastern Newfoundland waters.The body length of these whales can reach the length of 53
feet.Other common
whales found are Minke, Fin, Killer, Right, Sperm, and Pilot.Pilot whales are also referred to as Potheads in
Newfoundland.�Squidhounds� (white-beaked dolphins),
saddleback, and �jumpers� (white-sided dolphins) are also
commonly found in groups of 15 � 50 around the area.�Puffing pigs� (harbour porpoise) are the smaller than
all the above and are usually found closer inshore.The blue whale (largest animal species to ever live on
earth) can be found off the southwest corner of the island in the
winter. The northern tip of the island is strategically located at
the mouth of the Strait of Belle Isle.This strait acts as a �conveyer belt� of fish moving
between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean.Many whales take advantage of this and spend a considerable
time around the tip of the Northern Peninsula near L�Anse aux
Meadows and Quirpon Island.
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