A fin whale was sighted very close to the coast of Tarragona last Sunday, April 19, in an unusual observation in this stretch of the coast. The discovery occurred during an outing of Gepec from the Port of Tarragona and images of the specimen were taken by Jordi Jover.
A frequent step in spring, but not so close to the ground
This cetacean usually passes through the area between April and May, although it normally does so in deeper waters. The proximity of the animal to the coastline is what has drawn attention on this occasion, since it is not an exceptional presence in open sea, but it is at such a short distance from land.
"It's not that rare to see them, fishermen usually encounter some when they go out to fish, starting from about 50 kilometers, and they know them well; but what is very unusual is to spot them so close to land" - Albert Cama, doctor in animal biology and member of Gepec
Albert Cama, also linked to Gepec, further specifies that in three decades of outings with the entity's vessel, this is the second time they detect a fin whale so close to the Tarragona coast.
"In 30 years of outings with the Gepec boat, it is the second time we have seen a fin whale at such a short distance from the coast" - Albert Cama, doctor in animal biology and Gepec member
One of the great cetaceans of the Mediterranean
The fin whale is one of the largest marine animals that can be seen in these waters. It can reach up to 27 meters in length and males can weigh 70 tons. It is also a protected species and considered vulnerable.
Background on the Tarragona coast
The presence of these animals on the coast of Tarragona has left different records over the last decades, especially due to strandings or due to the location of dead specimens. There is record of cases in Salou in 1973, 1986 and 2016, in the Delta de l'Ebre in 1971 and 1986, in Mont-roig del Camp in 1989 and in Tarragona in 2018.
The sighting this Sunday once again places the Tarragona coast within the passage route of this species in spring, although this time with an uncommon image due to the animal's proximity to the coast.