Whale watchers have spotted an amazing 166 fin whales off the coast of Catalan during their migration season.

Experts celebrated the high number, crediting good plankton-growing weather, the whale’s favourite food.

Video footage released by the Edmaktub Association – organisers of the Fin Whale Project – shows pods of the huge whales on their migration route to the Atlantic Ocean.

From February to June each year, fin whales migrate along the Catalan coast.

The phenomenon has been known by fishing crews in the area for decades but has only been studied by the association in recent years.

The organisation said in a statement on 26th July: “The wind and rains in March favoured production peaks and the presence of plankton, the main source of food for the whales, until the end of May.”

Edmaktub also said it was the first time a M364 LR thermal imaging camera has been used, making it possible to detect humpback whales up to a kilometre away, as well as filming at night.

They said: “In 2022, whale sightings have remained high compared to the previous year; with a total of 166 whales sighted and 99 whales identified by means of images captured by a drone.

“The use of an echo sounder has been decisive for the detection of masses of organisms, possibly plankton, in the areas where we have found fin whales feeding.

“During the month of May and early June, the animals have been travelling along the Catalan coast and the Gulf of Lion at a greater distance than in previous years.”

They explained: “Collisions with vessels are the main concern for the conservation of fin whales in this area.

“The data collected, together with the animals showing collision marks and high maritime traffic indicates the high threat to this species.”

“It is also worth noting the disturbance caused by recreational boats that are irresponsible, unaware of the law that protects cetaceans and prohibits their approach.”