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5 things you didn’t know about whale tails (and why Whale Day on 23 July is the perfect opportunity to find out)
There is a moment for which people travel thousands of kilometres to the Arctic. The sea suddenly falls still, a huge shadow rises above the water, and then, slowly, it appears – a whale’s tail. The black silhouette against the grey backdrop of the Barents Sea vanishes into the depths, leaving behind a sense of something almost unreal.
It is the tail that most often becomes the main memory of an encounter with a whale. But few people realise just how important it is for science, ecology and even the history of saving these marine giants. It is particularly fitting to speak of this on 23 July, World Whale and Dolphin Day – a date that reminds the world why whales still need protection.
It is the tail that most often becomes the main memory of an encounter with a whale. But few people realise just how important it is for science, ecology and even the history of saving these marine giants. It is particularly fitting to speak of this on 23 July, World Whale and Dolphin Day – a date that reminds the world why whales still need protection.
Why is Whale Day celebrated on 23 July?
World Whale Day was established as a reminder of a time when many species of marine mammals were on the brink of extinction. In the 20th century, whaling reached enormous proportions. Humpback whales were particularly hard hit. The situation was turned around by a crucial measure – the moratorium on whaling adopted by the International Whaling Commission in 1982.
It was this date that became part of the global history of whale conservation. Following the ban, whale populations began to recover gradually, and today whales in the Barents Sea are once again regularly sighted off the coast of Teriberka.
That is why 23 July (Whale Day) is not merely an environmental celebration. It serves as a reminder of how humanity managed to transition from the extermination of whales to the study and protection of the ocean.
It was this date that became part of the global history of whale conservation. Following the ban, whale populations began to recover gradually, and today whales in the Barents Sea are once again regularly sighted off the coast of Teriberka.
That is why 23 July (Whale Day) is not merely an environmental celebration. It serves as a reminder of how humanity managed to transition from the extermination of whales to the study and protection of the ocean.
5 things you didn’t know about a whale’s tail
1. Every whale has its own unique tail.
It may come as a surprise to many, but the pattern on a whale’s tail is as unique as a human fingerprint. The underside of the tail is covered in individual spots, lines and scars. This is precisely why scientists can recognise specific animals years later. The humpback whale is particularly recognisable, its tail being considered one of the most distinctive among marine mammals.
2. A whale’s tail is not just a tail.
Many people ask: what is a whale’s tail called? The scientific name is a fluke. It is the whale’s fluke that helps the animal accelerate, dive to great depths and support its enormous body mass in the water.
Interesting fact:
the tail of an adult humpback whale can reach several metres in length;
how much does a whale’s tail weigh? Sometimes hundreds of kilograms.
When you see a whale’s tail above the water, you are actually looking at a powerful natural mechanism.
3. Why does a whale lift its tail before diving?
One of the most beautiful moments is when a whale slowly arches its back and shows its tail before diving. Many people ask: why does a whale lift its tail? It’s simple: this is how the animal prepares for a deep dive. Raising the tail helps it change its body angle and build momentum for the dive.
This is precisely why images showing a whale’s tail breaking the surface are considered the most valuable to photographers and researchers.
4. The scars on a whale’s tail tell the story of its life.
Scientists can read these tails almost like a biography. Chips, marks and injuries help us understand:
the animal’s age;
collisions with ice;
encounters with predators;
the effects of old injuries.
This is precisely why a photograph of a whale’s tail is important scientific material.
5. Why must we not touch whales?
Whales are wild animals. Too much close contact causes stress and can disrupt their natural behaviour. This is precisely why modern whale-watching tours are based on the principles of careful observation.
Today, the study of whales has completely replaced their commercial hunting. And this is, perhaps, the main outcome of the path the world has taken since the introduction of the moratorium.
It may come as a surprise to many, but the pattern on a whale’s tail is as unique as a human fingerprint. The underside of the tail is covered in individual spots, lines and scars. This is precisely why scientists can recognise specific animals years later. The humpback whale is particularly recognisable, its tail being considered one of the most distinctive among marine mammals.
2. A whale’s tail is not just a tail.
Many people ask: what is a whale’s tail called? The scientific name is a fluke. It is the whale’s fluke that helps the animal accelerate, dive to great depths and support its enormous body mass in the water.
Interesting fact:
the tail of an adult humpback whale can reach several metres in length;
how much does a whale’s tail weigh? Sometimes hundreds of kilograms.
When you see a whale’s tail above the water, you are actually looking at a powerful natural mechanism.
3. Why does a whale lift its tail before diving?
One of the most beautiful moments is when a whale slowly arches its back and shows its tail before diving. Many people ask: why does a whale lift its tail? It’s simple: this is how the animal prepares for a deep dive. Raising the tail helps it change its body angle and build momentum for the dive.
This is precisely why images showing a whale’s tail breaking the surface are considered the most valuable to photographers and researchers.
4. The scars on a whale’s tail tell the story of its life.
Scientists can read these tails almost like a biography. Chips, marks and injuries help us understand:
the animal’s age;
collisions with ice;
encounters with predators;
the effects of old injuries.
This is precisely why a photograph of a whale’s tail is important scientific material.
5. Why must we not touch whales?
Whales are wild animals. Too much close contact causes stress and can disrupt their natural behaviour. This is precisely why modern whale-watching tours are based on the principles of careful observation.
Today, the study of whales has completely replaced their commercial hunting. And this is, perhaps, the main outcome of the path the world has taken since the introduction of the moratorium.
Whales in the Barents Sea today
More and more travellers are now heading to Teriberka to see the whales for themselves. And it’s no wonder:
This is precisely why whale-watching tours to Teriberka are so popular.
- several species of whale are found in the Barents Sea;
- humpback whales, fin whales and minke whales can be spotted here;
- the chances of a sighting are particularly high in summer.
This is precisely why whale-watching tours to Teriberka are so popular.
Why the whale’s tail remains a symbol of the Arctic
There are dozens of reasons to love whales, but it is their tail that has become the defining symbol of an encounter with them. Perhaps this is because it appears for just a few seconds – yet remains in our memories forever. On this special day (Whale Day), it is particularly important to remember that whales have returned to the Barents Sea thanks to conservation efforts, public awareness and respect for nature.
The SEAHIKE.RU team invites you to see the whales for yourself!
Before you travel, you can browse our tours and explore the sights of Teriberka, check the weather, combine your trip with a fishing trip, read reviews and save our contact details to help you plan your boat trip.
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