Scientists make historic first sighting of living ginkgo-toothed beaked whales after five-year search

After five years of dedicated searching, marine researchers have achieved a scientific milestone: the first confirmed sighting of living ginkgo-toothed beaked whales in their natural habitat. These mysterious cetaceans had previously been known only through skeletal remains washed ashore, making them one of the ocean’s most elusive species.

The breakthrough moment came in June 2024 off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, when scientists aboard the research vessel Pacific Storm spotted two juvenile whales surfacing in the deep waters. The team, led by Robert Pitman, a retired researcher from Oregon State University, had been systematically searching the region’s remote waters for these cryptic marine mammals. What began as a routine morning quickly transformed into a historic encounter when the ship’s bridge called out “Whales! Starboard side!”

For several hours, the research team carefully observed and documented the pair of whales as they surfaced and dove in their characteristic elusive pattern. To confirm the species identification and collect valuable genetic samples, Pitman used a specialized crossbow to deploy a small sampling arrow—a standard, minimally invasive research technique that allows scientists to gather tissue samples without harming the animals.

This discovery represents a crucial advancement in marine biology and whale conservation. Ginkgo-toothed beaked whales belong to one of the least understood whale families, and this first living encounter provides researchers with unprecedented insights into their behavior, habitat preferences, and conservation needs. The successful sighting opens new possibilities for studying these rare marine mammals and protecting their deep-sea ecosystem.