Abstract

BOTERO-ACOSTA, Natalia et al. First record of a Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, Colombian Caribbean. Bol. Invest. Mar. Cost. [online]. 2020, vol.49, suppl.1, pp.259-266.  Epub Sep 05, 2021. ISSN 0122-9761.  https://doi.org/10.25268/bimc.invemar.2020.49.suplesp.1092.

Between January 23rd and 27th, 2020, a Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) was seen in coastal waters of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park. This is the first known record of a live animal for the Colombian Caribbean Sea. While it was not possible to establish causality relationships, the present note includes a description of the environmental and oceanographic context associated with sightings. While the Colombian Caribbean, because of its oligotrophy, would not permanently sustain a constant presence of the great baleen whales, its inclusion as part of the potential distribution range for Fin whales is suggested. The current report also highlights the importance and relevance of citizen science, in addition to interinstitutional and collaborative work, key processes for the monitoring of high mobility species such as marine mammals.

Keywords : common rorqual; cetaceans; report; citizen science; Colombia.

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