| Summary: | In 1974 and 1975 a total of 188 minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)and 14 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have been marked in the Barents Sea and at Svalbard. In addition 2 minke whales have been tagged north of Shetland. Sighted whales in the Barents Sea and at Svalbard include 1069 minke whales, 25 humpback whales, 1 fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), 2500-3000 white-beaked dolphins (Lagenor albirostris) about 50 common porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and l Greenland right whale (Balaena mysticetus) with calf. Off the coast of Norway 2 humpback whales,l sperm whale (Physeter catodon), 400-500 killer whales (Orcinus orca) and 8-10 Sowerbys whales (Mesoplodon bidens) were observed. Observations made during the cruises suggest that minke whales breath and are exposed to the air for 3-4 seconds only and that dives may last for any period between 12 seconds and 10 minutes when they are followed (not chased) by ships. About 15 per cent of the minke approached the ships.
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