First record of fin whale Balaenoptera physalusin the Mexican Caribbean

Abstract

Background. Until 2015, the aquatic mammal’s biodiversity in the Mexican Caribbean was unknown, but that year 18 species were confirmed to be distributed in this region, none of them a Rorcual species. Goals. The aim of this study is to report on the first record of a Balaenopteridae whale in the Mexican Caribbean. Methods. The CONANP and RVMMEQR attended a stranding event at the Isla Contoy National Park. Results. On August 2, 2018, a stranded alive whale was found. The animal was identified as a ~18m (in length) fin whale Balaenoptera physalus. It was guided to deep waters and released. Conclusions. This note is the first confirmed record of this species in the Mexican Caribbean increasing the list of confirmed aquatic mammal species distributed in this region.