Deceased Fin Whale Washes Ashore in Hualien; National Museum of Natural Science to Create Specimen

(CNA, Taichung, June 7, Reporter Chao Li-yen) A deceased fin whale discovered in March off the Chongde coast in Xiulin, Hualien, was found drifting near set nets with its body already decomposed. Experts have sent the skeleton to the National Museum of Natural Science, where a 1:1 scale specimen, 3D models, and replicas will be created for the collection and for educational and research purposes.

On the morning of March 4, a set net fisherman operating near the Chongde coast in Xiulin, Hualien, discovered a large whale drifting nearby. It had been dead for some time and was decomposed. With the fisherman's help, it was towed to Chongde beach for on-site dissection. After separating the bones from the flesh, the flesh was disposed of at sea, and the skeleton was packed and sent to the museum for subsequent research and for scientific and educational use.

Dr. Yao Chiu-ju, an associate researcher at the museum, told a CNA reporter that fin whales primarily inhabit oceanic regions and have been recorded in all major oceans worldwide. Their population in the Western Pacific once became very small due to commercial whaling. According to data from the Ocean Conservation Administration's Marine Animal Rescue Network (MARN), Taiwan sees nearly 200 cetacean strandings annually, but only three fin whale strandings have been recorded since 2005.

Dr. Yao mentioned that Taiwan has a total of three fin whale stranding records: one in Taoyuan in 2005, one discovered at Guishan Island in 2025, and this year's stranding on the Chongde coast in Hualien. The first fin whale is in the museum's collection, the second is being handled by the Chinese Cetacean Society, and after efforts, the third has been handed over to the museum to create a specimen for future education and research.

The museum stated that it is currently preparing the production of a 1:1 model specimen and hopes to permanently house the skeletal specimen in its collection. There are also plans to feature it in a permanent exhibition after the renovation of the Life Science Hall. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150607