FIN WHALE TRACKED BY SATELLITE OFF ICELAND

The population of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) west and southwest of Iceland is concentrated during summer along the edge of the continental shelf from approximately 62 degree 30'-66 degree N and 24 degree -30 degree W. In 1980 a fin whale was tracked by means of 30-MHz radio tags from this area near Iceland to waters off Greenland from 25 June-5 July, confirming mixing of whales between the two regions, also indicated in earlier mark/recapture experiments. The sightings and catch data consistently show a marked drop in abundance of fin whales off Iceland after early August. To evaluate further the movements of fin whales off Iceland, a late-season fin whale was tracked by satellite from 12 August to 25 September 1994.