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  • Whale meat for sale in a supermarket. The label on the top right with the blue whale tail indicates that this meat is from the southern hemisphere research whaling. As such, it is probably minke whale. This is meant for raw consumption as sashimi.
    minke-whale-sashimi-supermarket-japa...tif
  • This is a Bryde's whale that was feeding in the same area as a number of blue whales. The taxonomic status of Bryde's whales is complex. There are several genetically distinct species and/ or subspecies in the scientific literature, including Balaenoptera brydei, Balaenoptera edeni, and Balaenoptera omurai.
    brydes-whale-balaenoptera-edeni-sri-...tif
  • A pair of blue whales swimming in blue water of the Indian Ocean. This may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda. They were engaged in social activity at the surface, and were relaxed when they swam past. I estimate that the whales were between 20 and 25 meters long.
    sri-lanka-pygmy-blue-whales-201104-0...tif
  • This is a Bryde's whale that was feeding in the same area as a number of blue whales. The taxonomic status of Bryde's whales is complex. There are several genetically distinct species and/ or subspecies in the scientific literature, including Balaenoptera brydei, Balaenoptera edeni, and Balaenoptera omurai.
    balaenoptera-edeni-brydes-whale-sri-...tif
  • Top-down view of two blue whales, just after they swam past. This pair may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda. They were engaged in social activity at the surface, and were relaxed when they swam past. I estimate that the whales were between 20 and 25 meters long.
    Pygmy-blue-whales-diving-sri-lanka-2...tif
  • A pair of blue whales swimming in blue water of the Indian Ocean. This may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda. They were engaged in social activity at the surface, and were relaxed when they swam past. I estimate that the whales were between 20 and 25 meters long.
    pygmy-blue-whales-in-sri-lanka-20110...tif
  • This is a Bryde's whale that was feeding in the same area as a number of blue whales in southern Sri Lanka. The taxonomic status of Bryde's whales is complex. There are several genetically distinct species and/ or subspecies in the scientific literature, including Balaenoptera brydei, Balaenoptera edeni, and Balaenoptera omurai.
    brydes-whale-balaenoptera-brydei-ede...tif
  • A pair of blue whales swimming in blue water of the Indian Ocean. This may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda. They were engaged in social activity at the surface, and were relaxed when they swam past. I estimate that the whales were between 20 and 25 meters long.
    sri-lanka-blue-whales-201104-0376.tif
  • Top-down view of two blue whales, just after they swam past. This pair may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda. They were engaged in social activity at the surface, and were relaxed when they swam past. I estimate that the whales were between 20 and 25 meters long.
    Two-pygmy-blue-whales-sri-lanka-2011...tif
  • A pair of blue whales swimming in blue water of the Indian Ocean. This may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda. They were engaged in social activity at the surface, and were relaxed when they swam past. I estimate that the whales were between 20 and 25 meters long.
    blue-whales-blue-water-sri-lanka-201...tif
  • This is an adult pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) entangled in a fishing net. The net was wrapped around the base of the whale's fluke, with substantial net and rope trailing behind. As is visible in this image, rope stretched up both sides of the whale and appeared to be caught in the whale's mouth. I came across this whale in shallow, green, murky water, approximately 60 meters depth. The whale was still able to swim, though it appeared exhausted. It did not fluke, and the netting was not visible from the surface. Sadly, this whale most likely died shortly after this encounter.
    blue-whale-entangled-fishing-net-bal...tif
  • This is an adult pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) entangled in a fishing net. The net was wrapped around the base of the whale's fluke, with substantial net and rope trailing behind. Rope stretched up both sides of the whale and appeared to be caught in the whale's mouth. I came across this whale in shallow, green, murky water, approximately 60 meters depth. The whale was still able to swim, though it appeared exhausted. It did not fluke, and the netting was not visible from the surface. Sadly, this whale most likely died shortly after this encounter.
    blue-whale-entangled-fishing-net-sri...tif
  • This is an adult pygmy blue whale entangled in a fishing net. The net was wrapped around the base of the whale's fluke, with substantial net and rope trailing behind. Rope stretched up both sides of the whale and appeared to be caught in the whale's mouth. I came across this whale in shallow, green, murky water, approximately 60 meters depth. The whale was still able to swim, though it appeared exhausted. It did not fluke, and the netting was not visible from the surface. Sadly, this whale most likely died shortly after this encounter.
    entangled-pygmy-blue-whale-fishing-n...tif
  • This is the genital slit of a dead blue whale, found floating south of Mirissa in Sri Lanka. The tip of the whale's penis appears to be protruding from the animal. The whale was most likely struck by one of the many container ships in the busy shipping lanes that coincide with the feeding grounds of blue whales and other cetaceans in the area. Other photos of this whale show a deep scar in the whale's caudal area, suggestive of a direct bow strike by a large commercial ship. Photograph taken under permit.
    dead-blue-whale-genital-slit-penis-B...tif
  • This was a young, relatively friendly blue whale. Over the course of several hours, this whale approached the boat I was in seven times when it surfaced from feeding in deeper water. From this angle, the whale’s powerful, well-muscled caudal region is visible. The whale’s flexibility and sinuous S-curve swimming motion is also apparent.
    blue-whale-caudal-musculature-sinuou...tif
  • This is the pectoral fin of a dead blue whale, found floating in the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka. Blue whales have relatively short pectoral fins in relation to their body size. This whale was probably killed by a ship strike in the busy shipping lanes that run directly through blue whale feeding grounds. Photo taken under permit.
    pectoral-fin-blue-whale-Balaenoptera...tif
  • This is blue whale feces, discharged by a whale that had surfaced after feeding on krill in deep water in southern Sri Lanka. The neon red-orange color of the defecation is due to the whale's krill-based diet. The feces dissolve rapidly, as is apparent from the fizzing around the large clumps in this image. Photo taken under permit.
    blue-whale-feces-krill-Balaenoptera-...tif
  • This is a friendly blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus indica) that approached the boat each time it surfaced after a twenty to thirty minute foraging dive. In total, I had seven in-water encounters with this blue whale over several hours, ending only because it was getting late and we had to head back to port.
    blue-whale-balaenoptera-musculus-ind...tif
  • Indian Ocean blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus indica) swimming into the blue. From this angle the substantial width of the fluke is apparent, and some of the whale’s musculature that powers the fluke is also visible.
    blue-whale-balaenoptera-musculus-ind...tif
  • Close-up view of the fluke of a pygmy blue whale. I had nine consecutive encounters with this inquisitive whale. During a couple of the encounters, the whale allowed me to swim along with it and even directly above it as if I were a remora. I was only able to do this because the whale slowed down to let me keep pace as it swam along at minimal speed near the surface. This was a mature whale, length exceeding 20 meters.
    blue-whale-fluke-underwater-close-up...tif
  • Fluke of a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) diving to forage for krill in deep water. Note the distinctive crease on the whale's dorsal surface, just behind the dorsal fin. This, plus several white spots on this whale's body (including the two white spots visible on the right fluke), made this individual easy to recognize. Photograph taken under permit.
    blue-whale-fluke-Balaenoptera-muscul...tif
  • Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) diving next to a whale watching boat in the Sea of Cortez, Baja Peninsula, Mexico
    blue-whale-boat-sea-cortez-mexico-20...tif
  • My friend holding up fresh pygmy blue whale defecation. The brilliant orange-red color of the blue whale poop derives from krill diet of the cetacean.
    ron-leidich-holding-blue-whale-defec...tif
  • Fluke of a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) diving to forage for krill in deep water. Note the distinctive crease on the whale's dorsal surface, just behind the dorsal fin. This, plus several white spots on this whale's body (including the two white spots visible on the top of the right fluke), made this individual easy to recognize. Photograph taken under permit.
    blue-whale-fluke-sri-lanka-Balaenopt...tif
  • Close-up view of the blowholes of a deceased blue whale. The whale was most likely struck and killed by a large commercial vessel. Major shipping lanes pass through the middle of blue whale feeding grounds to the south of Sri Lanka. Photo taken under permit.
    blowholes-blue-whale-sri-lanka-Balae...tif
  • Indian Ocean blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus indica) returning to deeper water to forage for krill after a brief surface interval to replenish air supply.
    blue-whale-indian-ocean-balaenoptera...tif
  • Fluke of a diving pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) with several remoras attached.
    blue-whale-fluke-with-remoras-201502...tif
  • Close-up view of the throat grooves on a dead blue whale, found in the Indian Ocean of Sri Lanka. The whale was most likely the victim of a ship strike by a large container vessel. The main shipping channel south of Sri Lanka passes directly through feeding grounds of blue whales and other cetaceans, which gather in the area to feed on aggregations of krill in deep water. Photo taken under permit.
    throat-grooves-blue-whale-Balaenopte...tif
  • Frontal view of a dead blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) in Sri Lanka. Major shipping lanes for container vessels and other large ships pass directly through blue whale feeding grounds. As a result, ship strikes may happen on a regular basis. This whale died from a large wound that cut away a major portion of its caudal region. Photo taken under permit.
    ship-strike-dead-blue-whale-sri-lank...tif
  • This is a dead blue whale, probably killed by a ship strike from a large commercial ship, much like the one visible in the background. Major shipping lanes pass directly through the feeding grounds of blue whales and other cetaceans in southern Sri Lanka, increasing the chances for fatal ship strikes like this. This whale was male, with the cause of death being a wound to the animal's caudal area. Photo taken under permit.
    dead-blue-whale-container-ship-india...tif
  • Large wound in the caudal region of a dead blue whale found in southern Sri Lanka. The whale was male. The wound was most likely the result of a direct collision from the bow of a large commercial vessel traveling in the major shipping lanes just south of Sri Lanka. These shipping lanes run directly through the feeding grounds of blue whales and other cetaceans. Photo taken under permit.
    dead-blue-whale-collision-container-...tif
  • Rear view of a blue whale killed by a ship strike in the Indian Ocean, south of Sri Lanka. This region is a feeding area for blue whales and other cetaceans. It is also a major shipping lane, with large container vessels and other big ships traveling through the feeding grounds on a constant basis. The large wound in the whale's caudal region may have been caused by a head-on collision by one of these ships. Photo taken under permit.
    blue-whale-killed-by-ship-strike-sri...tif
  • A blue whale diving down to feed on krill in the Indian Ocean, south of Sri Lanka. This whale was relatively inquisitive, proactively approaching on several occasions, and swimming along underneath our boat in one instance. This whale is easily recognizable by the white patch on the left side of its head. It also has a white area on the right side of its nose, two white spots on the right side of its fluke, and a large, visible indentation on the dorsal surface of its caudal region. Photograph taken under permit.
    blue-whale-diving-Balaenoptera-muscu...tif
  • Pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) diving into the blue, with pelagic fish (likely yellowfin tuna or similar open ocean predatory species) visible in the background
    pygmy-blue-whale-balaenoptera-muscul...tif
  • Pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) swimming at high speed, its fluke slicing through the water as the whale executed a rapid turn before diving into the deep.
    pygmy-blue-whale-balaenoptera-muscul...tif
  • Very close pass with a pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) in murky water. Note the patches of white pigmentation on the right nostril and left dorsal area. These make this whale easy to recognize, even from above water.
    pygmy-blue-whale-balaenoptera-muscul...tif
  • Pectoral fin of a dead blue whale, with a remora attached. This whale was most likely hit and killed by a large commercial vessel, which left a gaping wound in the cetacean's caudal area. Ship strikes may happen frequently in this area, just south of Mirissa in southern Sri Lanka. The shipping lanes here are very busy, with ships traveling at high speed through the feeding grounds of blue whales and other cetaceans.
    dead-blue-whale-pectoral-fin-Balaeno...tif
  • Dead blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) floating at the ocean surface. This whale was most likely killed by a ship strike that took place in the shipping lanes just south of Sri Lanka. Container ships and other large boats use these shipping lanes day-in and day-out. The shipping lanes are situated in the middle of feeding grounds for blue whales and other cetaceans, which dive down to deep water to forage for krill and other food. Photo taken under permit.
    dead-blue-whale-Balaenoptera-musculu...tif
  • Blue whale calf (Balaenoptera musculus) swimming beside its mother
    blue-whale-female-calf-cortez-201302...tif
  • The shipping lanes south of Sri Lanka are among the busiest in the world. Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) and other cetaceans often congregate in these shipping lanes to feed on krill below. The potential for lethal ship strikes is clear.
    blue-whale-shipping-lane-sri-lanka-b...tif
  • Large adult pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) diving into the blue, perhaps to forage for food. Photographed in Sri Lanka.
    pygmy-blue-whale-balaenoptera-muscul...tif
  • Head-on view of a dead blue whale, floating in the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka. The cause of death was most likely a ship strike, with a large vessel colliding with the caudal region of the whale. The carcass was relatively fresh, as there was no significant bloating and minimal decomposition. Photo taken under permit.
    ship-strike-dead-blue-whale-Balaenop...tif
  • Dorsal view of a pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda)
    pygmy-blue-whale-dorsal-view-201502-...tif
  • Profile of a pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) commencing a dive to forage for food
    blue-whale-balaenoptera-musculus-bre...tif
  • Pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) commencing its descent to forage for krill in the Indian Ocean, south of Sri Lanka.
    blue-whale-balaenoptera-musculus-bre...tif
  • This is the fluke of a well-known blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) nicknamed Nubbin that has been sighted repeatedly in the Sea of Cortez. The distinctive scars and indentations on this whale's fluke provide an unambiguous reference for identification. Note the scratches, which were most likely the result of an encounter with orcas.
    blue-whale-injured-fluke-baja-penins...tif
  • This male blue whale was most likely killed by a ship strike. There is a large wound in the animal's caudal area, suggesting a direct bow strike by a large vessel. There is a high level of shipping traffic south of Sri Lanka, where container vessels and other large ships travel through shipping lanes on a continuous basis. These shipping lanes are situated in the middle of feeding grounds for blue whales and other cetaceans, putting these animals at high risk of ship strikes. Photo taken under permit.
    dead-blue-whale-floating-ocean-surfa...tif
  • Dorsal fin of a blue whale. Note the distinctive crease on the dorsal surface behind the dorsal fin. This, plus several white spots on this whale's body (including the two white spots visible on the right fluke), made this individual easy to recognize. Photograph taken under permit.
    blue-whale-dorsal-fin-Balaenoptera-m...tif
  • This is a male blue whale killed by a ship strike, floating at the ocean surface, in the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka. There is a high volume of container ship and other large vessel traffic in this area, with the ships traveling directly through the feeding grounds of blue whales and other cetaceans. Ship strikes are perhaps a regular occurence. Photo taken under permit.
    dead-blue-whale-killed-ship-strike-B...tif
  • A pair of blue whales swimming in blue water of the Indian Ocean. This may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda. They were engaged in social activity at the surface, and were relaxed when they swam past. I estimate that the whales were between 20 and 25 meters long.
    201104_Mirissa_Underwater_0377.tif
  • Some of the prime feeding areas for blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) in waters of Sri Lanka coincide with commercial shipping lanes that pass to the south of the country, which are among the most heavily trafficked in the world. This overlap of cetacean foraging territory and commercial shipping traffic creates the potential for lethal ship strikes.
    blue-whale-shipping-lane-sri-lanka-b...tif
  • Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) in blue water, photographed in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
    brydes-whale-balaenoptera-edeni-sri-...tif
  • Rear view of a short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) in blue water
    short-finned-pilot-whale-globicephal...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaengliae) breaching on a sunny day with blue water
    breaching-humpback-whale-tonga-20100...tif
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaengliae) breaching against a backdrop of blue water
    humpback-whale-breach-200508-0909.tif
  • Large male escort humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) accompanying an adult female with a female calf, all three passing over a shallow reef outside the Blue Lagoon area in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga. Female calf 201314, mom, escort
    humpback-whale-escort-fluke-with-mot...tif
  • A pygmy blue whale swimming in blue water of the Indian Ocean. This may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda. There was a pair engaged in social activity at the surface. The two dived and were relaxed when they swam past. I estimate that the whales were between 20 and 25 meters long.
    pygmy-blue-whale-in-sri-lanka-201104...tif
  • A pygmy blue whale swimming in blue water of the Indian Ocean. This may be the pygmy sub-species of blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda. There was a pair engaged in social activity at the surface. The two dived and were relaxed when they swam past. I estimate that the whales were between 20 and 25 meters long.
    pygmy-blue-whale-sri-lanka-201104-03...tif
  • These four humpback whales were part of a heat run comprising six testosterone-fueled males in pursuit of a single fertile female. Swimming at high speed, the whales appeared from the blue haze below, charging toward the surface in a mad rush. I dived down and waited in mid-water for them. <br />
<br />
As this group of four hurtled past me, I experienced a surge of adrenalin, triggered by the simultaneous exhilaration and apprehension of such a close encounter with a quartet of 40-ton animals. <br />
<br />
The four whales pictured here are all male, one of which is blowing bubbles--a common behaviour that may signify aggression when observed during heat runs. <br />
<br />
The female surfaced some distance away together with the other males, which certainly explains why these whales were in such a rush!
    four-humpback-whales-in-heat-run-201...tif
  • Adult female sperm whale swimming upside-down in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This is a position frequently adopted by sperm whales near the surface to make use of their sonar to investigate floating objects like me. I may have been the first person she had ever come across. Notice that there is a small piece missing from the dorsal edge of her right pectoral fin.
    female-sperm-whale-sri-lanka_201104_...tif
  • Adult female sperm whale swimming upside-down in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This is a position frequently adopted by sperm whales near the surface to make use of their sonar to investigate floating objects like me. I may have been the first person she had ever come across. Notice that there is a small piece missing from the dorsal edge of her right pectoral fin.
    sperm-whale-blue-water-indian-ocean_...tif
  • Adult female sperm whale swimming upside-down in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This is a position frequently adopted by sperm whales near the surface to make use of their sonar to investigate floating objects like me. I may have been the first person she had ever come across. Notice that there is a small piece missing from the dorsal edge of her right pectoral fin.
    upside-down-sperm-whale-sri-lanka_20...tif
  • This was my first encounter with a sperm whale, a curious juvenile that pinged me with sonar and placed me on its head, then took one of my fins in its mouth. This whale had at some point investigated a longline, as it had a hook embedded in the crease of its jaw on the right side of its body, with fishing line trailing far back behind its fluke. I dived down to take a look at the hook, but the wound had long since healed over, making it impossible to attempt to remove the hook. This image is a film scan. This photograph received the Grand Prize at The Blue Earth Underwater Photo Contest in Japan in 2001.
    sperm-whale-with-longline-hook-in-mo...tif
  • A krill specimen that was spit out by a blue whale I was with. As depicted here, the krill was about the size of my little finger. The blue whale had just come up from deeper water, where it was likely feeding.
    krill-from-blue-whale-sri-lanka-2015...tif
  • A relatively large krill specimen that was spit out by a blue whale I was with. The whale had just come up from deeper water, where it was likely feeding.
    krill-from-blue-whale-sri-lanka-2015...tif
  • Inquisitive adult female sperm whale in the Indian Ocean, swimming underneath me to check me out using sonar. Sperm whales seem to swim upside-down frequently when they use sonar to investigate objects above them. Perhaps this position gives them optimal results.
    sperm-whale-swimming-upside-down-in-...tif
  • Inquisitive adult female sperm whale in the Indian Ocean, swimming underneath me to check me out using sonar. Sperm whales seem to swim upside-down frequently when they use sonar to investigate objects above them. Perhaps this position gives them optimal results. Notice that the sperm whale has closed her eyes.
    sperm-whale-swimming-upside-down-in-...tif
  • Inquisitive adult female sperm whale in the Indian Ocean, swimming underneath me to check me out using sonar. Sperm whales seem to swim upside-down frequently when they use sonar to investigate objects above them. Perhaps this position gives them optimal results.
    sperm-whale-swimming-upside-down-in-...tif
  • Inquisitive adult female sperm whale in the Indian Ocean, swimming underneath me to check me out using sonar. Sperm whales seem to swim upside-down frequently when they use sonar to investigate objects above them. Perhaps this position gives them optimal results.
    sperm-whale-swimming-upside-down-in-...tif
  • Inquisitive adult female sperm whale in the Indian Ocean, swimming underneath me to check me out using sonar. Sperm whales seem to swim upside-down frequently when they use sonar to investigate objects above them. Perhaps this position gives them optimal results.
    sperm-whale-swimming-upside-down-in-...tif
  • Inquisitive adult female sperm whale in the Indian Ocean, swimming underneath me to check me out using sonar. Sperm whales seem to swim upside-down frequently when they use sonar to investigate objects above them. Perhaps this position gives them optimal results.
    sperm-whale-swimming-upside-down-in-...tif
  • Three sperm whales, the top one clearly a male, with protruding penis visible. Note also the white markings on the abdomen, which can be used to identify individual whales.
    three-sperm-whales-in-blue-water-201...tif
  • Two adult sperm whales, part of a larger family unit that I came across in the waters south of Sri Lanka
    two-sperm-whales-in-blue-water_20110...tif
  • Large vessels like this one travel on a constant basis in the shipping lanes just south of Sri Lanka. The shipping lanes pass through the middle of feeding grounds for blue whales and other cetaceans. The risk of ship strikes in this region is high.
    large-commercial-ship-indian-ocean-s...tif
  • Small krill species that was schooling in large aggregations in relatively shallow water off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Blue whales and Bryde’s whales frequent these waters and feed in the area. I do not know whether they consume this particular species.
    small-krill-species-sri-lanka-201502...tif
  • Large vessels like this one travel on a constant basis in the shipping lanes just south of Sri Lanka. The ships travel at high speed, as is apparent from the bow wake in this image. The shipping lanes pass through the middle of feeding grounds for blue whales and other cetaceans, making the risk of ship strikes in this region high.
    large-ship-bow-wake-indian-ocean-sri...tif
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