The right whale, belonging to the genus Eubalaena, is a massive marine mammal now recognized as one of the world’s most endangered large whales. The common name, however, is a somber reflection of the species’ devastating history with commercial whaling, which hunted them to the brink of extinction. The designation was not a compliment to the animal’s natural attributes but an economic assessment based on its commercial value and hunting convenience. The legacy of the name is intrinsically tied to biological traits that made them uniquely vulnerable to early whaling practices.
Physical Traits Relevant to Identification
Right whales are among the largest baleen whales, with adults reaching lengths of up to 52 feet and weighing approximately 70 tons. A prominent physical characteristic is the absence of a dorsal fin, giving the whale a smooth, broad back. This feature distinguishes them from many other large cetaceans, which possess a fin along their spine.
Their heads are noticeably large, constituting nearly a third of their total body length. The most distinct feature is the presence of rough, calcified patches of skin on the head known as callosities. These growths, often referred to as “bonnets,” appear white or yellowish because they are colonized by whale lice, or cyamids. The unique pattern of these callosities allows scientists to identify individual whales for tracking purposes today.
The Historical Context of Early Whaling
The era that gave the right whale its name stretches back to the beginnings of commercial whaling in the 11th century, pioneered by Basque whalers. Initially, hunting was often opportunistic and shore-based, targeting whales that migrated close to the coast. The economic incentive was high, driven by the increasing demand for whale oil to power lamps and lubricate machinery.
Over the centuries, the industry grew from localized efforts to organized commercial voyages that spanned the North Atlantic. By the 17th and 18th centuries, American and European whalers had established fleets that searched for whales across vast ocean distances. This transition set the stage for a systematic selection process, where whalers had to choose which species offered the greatest return for their effort and risk.
Characteristics That Made Them the “Right” Target
The primary reason this species was deemed the “right whale” to hunt stems from a combination of three factors. Unlike many other species, right whales were notably slow swimmers and exhibited a docile nature, allowing early whalers using small, open boats to approach them easily. Furthermore, their tendency to feed and migrate in coastal waters made them highly accessible targets for the limited technology of the time.
A crucial biological trait that determined the name was the whale’s buoyancy after death. Right whales possess an extraordinarily thick layer of blubber, which can measure up to 8.5 inches in mature individuals. This high fat content makes the carcass positively buoyant, meaning it floats on the surface once killed, which was an immense advantage for whalers.
Other large whales, like the fin whale, would sink upon death, making recovery and processing difficult or impossible without advanced equipment. Floating allowed the whalers to simply secure the right whale carcass to their ship and tow it back to shore or alongside the vessel for processing, a procedure known as “flensing.” This ease of retrieval minimized effort and risk while maximizing the recovery of valuable products.
Finally, the species offered a superior yield of marketable products compared to other whales. The thick blubber layer produced a large quantity of high-quality oil. Additionally, the right whale possesses exceptionally long baleen plates, which can reach nearly 7.5 feet in length. This “whalebone” was highly valued for manufacturing items like corsets, buggy whips, and umbrella ribs.