Killer whale
Killer whales, also known as the Orca. It’s named Killer whale because it’s a top predator, which some populations feed on other marine mammals, and no other animal preys on them. It’s not known what the killer whale’s seen in Tristan’s MPZ feed on.
Shepherd’s beaked whale
Little is known about the Shepherds beaked whale from migration to reproduction and breeding. They are known to be found in only in the Southern Hemisphere in very deep, cold temperate, offshore waters and are rarely observed at the surface. It is thought to inhabit the waters of Tristian due to the sightings and stranding’s that have been recorded.
Sperm whale
The Sperm whale known for its unique shaped body and large square head apparently has the largest brain out of any living animal!
Southern right whale
Little is known about the whales that pass by Tristan so an underwater acoustics project is used to hear these whales and understand what they are doing in our waters.
Humpback whale
In 2011 a humpback whale was spotted with a buoy and net caught around its tail. The Tristan search and rescue team where quick to respond and succeeded in setting the whale free.
Fin whale
According to Tristan folklore, seeing a whale offshore is a sign of fine weather approaching. The fin whale is the fastest of the great whales travelling to speeds of 23mph. They prefer to travel alone rather than in large pods. Its beautiful blueish grey colour and slenderness is what differentiates it from other baleen whales.