Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication: 'First observation of fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) courtship behaviour in the Mediterranean sea' in Hystrix.
Fontanesi, E., Pedrazzini, A.C., Ascheri, D. First observation of fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) courtship behaviour in the Mediterranean sea. *Hystrix the Italian Journal of Mammalogy* 37.1 (2026). DOI: <goog_1902469181> https://doi.org/10.4404/hystrix-00797-2025 Abstract: The fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is a regular species in the Mediterranean Sea, where its population has been described as nomadic opportunist. Individuals are known to concentrate in specific areas with recurrent high prey availability, and appear to disperse for non-foraging activities. In this study, we report the sighting of three fin whales within the Pelagos Sanctuary, an area recognized for its importance as a feeding ground. The sighting occurred unusually close to the coast compared to typical species distribution and involved notable inter-individual interactions. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the literature, we examined the observed behaviours and explored their potential link to reproductive activity. While courtship behaviours in fin whales have been sporadically documented in different oceans, they have not yet been described in the Mediterranean Sea. Given the species' vulnerability, sharing these observations with the scientific community is crucial, as it enhances our understanding of fin whale ecology and behaviour in this region. We hope this report will encourage the documentation and sharing of these unusual behaviours within the scientific community. All the best, Elena
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