Report on the whales sighted off Mandapam on the Palk bay side on 5th July, 1988

Abstract

The surfacing of whales at frequent intervals was seen in the Bay, at about 2.5-3 km away from the shore. Observations at a closer distance onboard revealed the presence of three whales, one larger and two smaller. The blowing behaviour was observed only a couple of times; the blow was rather feeble and only of a moderate height. During surfacing, the body appeared to be slender, overall colour of the exposed upper surface being black. The fin appeared to be narrow, concave on its outer margin and tapering. The tail fluke was with concave margin. Often two animals were seen swimming close together. They surfaced only for a short duration of less than a minute