Minke Whale

What is it: 

The minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) is the smallest of the baleen whales found in UK waters, measuring 7 to 10 metres when fully grown. The minke whale is the commonest of the baleen whales around Scotland, and the one you are most likely to see from headlands and ferries.

There are two groups of layers included:

  1. Statistical approaches to aid identification of Marine Protected Areas for Minke whale. Based on SNH Commissioned Report No. 594, these include:
    • Observed adjusted densities of Minke whale; and
    • Modelled persistence of above mean density of Minke whale (summers 2001-2012).
  2. Minke whale effort related sightings displays
    • Annual Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Effort Related Sightings Data (2003-2011)
    • Annual and Monthly distribution and relative abundance (1979-1997)
Links to Scotland's Marine Atlas: 
Chapter 4: Cetaceans
Data originators: 
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
This information page is part of the theme: 
Cetaceans
More Information: 

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are collectively known as cetaceans. Twenty-three species have been recorded in Scottish waters over the last 25 years. Of these 11 are regularly sighted, the remaining 12 are considered to be vagrants or rare visitors.

Cetaceans are very mobile and can range widely with some undertaking large scale seasonal migrations often leaving Scottish waters in the process. Other species are more localised in their distribution. The greatest diversity of species is found off the continental shelf in waters to the north and west of Scotland.

This page was last modified on : 
Tuesday, April 26, 2016 - 13:55

Links and Resources

Map Type Click title for metadata and licence informationsort descending Date of data View Map
Map Layers (NMPi) Annual distribution and relative abundance of Minke whale (1979 - 1997) Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) Annual Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Effort Related Sightings data for Minke whale (2003 - 2011) Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) August - Monthly distribution and relative abundance of Minke whale (1979 -1997) 1979-01-01 to 1997-12-31 Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) July - Monthly distribution and relative abundance of Minke whale (1979 -1997) 1979-01-01 to 1997-12-31 Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) June - Monthly distribution and relative abundance of Minke whale (1979 -1997) 1979-01-01 to 1997-12-31 Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) May - Monthly distribution and relative abundance of Minke whale (1979 -1997) 1979-01-01 to 1997-12-31 Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) Modelled persistence of above mean density of Minke whale (summers 2001 - 2012) 2001-01-01 to 2012-12-31 Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) November to April - Monthly distribution and relative abundance of Minke whale (1979 -1997) 1979-01-01 to 1997-12-31 Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) Observed adjusted densities of Minke whale (all seasons 2000-2012) 2000-01-01 to 2012-12-31 Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) Observed adjusted densities of Minke whale (all seasons 2000-2012) (mapped as graduated symbols) 2000-01-01 to 2012-12-31 Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) October - Monthly distribution and relative abundance of Minke whale (1979 -1997) 1979-01-01 to 1997-12-31 Access this map on NMPi
Map Layers (NMPi) September - Monthly distribution and relative abundance of Minke whale (1979 -1997) 1979-01-01 to 1997-12-31 Access this map on NMPi
Type Link Titlesort descending External Link
Reports SNH Commissioned Report 594: Statistical approaches to aid the identification of Marine Protected Areas for minke whale, Risso's dolphin, white-beaked dolphin and basking shark www.nature.scot
Type Title External link
Organisations Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust hwdt.org
Web link SNH Dolphins, Whales & Porpoises www.nature.scot
Web link Marine Scotland Cetaceans www.gov.scot
Web link Whale & Dolphin Trust - Minke Whale hwdt.org
FEAST Minke whale www.marine.scotland.gov.uk