22.05.2026 – Names have meaning

Today was a day full of Tropical Whales (Balaenoptera edeni). Every tour had the privilege of encountering these beautiful baleen whales. Some people use an alternative name for this whale species: Bryde’s whale.

The naming of the Bryde’s whale is viewed critically today — including by myself. The whale carries the name of Johan Bryde, a Norwegian entrepreneur who was closely connected to the industrial whaling industry in South Africa. From today’s perspective, it seems contradictory that one of the largest and most fascinating marine mammals was named after a man who was part of an industry responsible for the large-scale hunting of whales.

Many scientific species names originate from a time when animals were often named after European researchers, explorers, sponsors, or businessmen — regardless of the actual role these individuals played in relation to the animals themselves.

Critics see this as a symbol of a very human-centered view of nature. The animal is not given a name that reflects its own unique characteristics, but instead permanently carries the name of a person who economically benefited from hunting its species. Especially within the context of modern marine conservation movements, such historical names are increasingly being questioned as to whether they are still appropriate today. The discussion surrounding names like “Bryde’s whale” is therefore not only a biological issue, but also an ethical and societal one: Who owns the history of nature — and whose names do its inhabitants carry?

This whale species also has another designation: Tropical Whale. This name describes an important aspect of the species, as it prefers warmer waters.

In the end, everyone must decide according to their own conscience, but personally, I clearly have a preferred choice of naming.

Here you will find links dedicated to the protection of whales: https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/norway_save_the_whales_loc/?rc=fb&pv=122

by Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Steno

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Tropical whales, Striped dolphins

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Tropical whales, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Tropical whales, Striped dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Tropical whales, Bottlenose dolphins