Fringe  # 0159

Records of Fringe date back to 1979 when she was sighted on Stellwagen Bank with her first known calf, Tassel.  Since that time she has given birth to eight more calves, the last one being born in 1999. Fringe is among the most productive females known (See Fringe's Family Tree).  She also has a very successful lineage.  At least three of her calves, Sirius, Thread and Tornado, are still seen on a regular basis here on the bank.  

In 1995, Fringe became a first time grandmother when Tornado gave birth to Parallel.  Tornado blessed the family again in 1998 when Mas-Menos was introduced to the world and again in 2000 with Beanie.     

Through years of research, scientists have be able to deduce that the average age of a first time mother is between 6-9 years.  Knowing this fact, what is the youngest possible age Fringe can be?  Right now no one knows the average life span for humpback whales.  Using data recorded during the hunting years it is thought to be around 50 years, however it will be years before we really have an accurate idea.  Close observations will be made for years to come on the calves born since individual records have been kept.  The researchers will be looking for the following information in order to make accurate conclusions:  when the whale was born, when the whale died and determining the cause of death.

Fringe got her name from the very observable marking on her fluke. There appear to be black decorative threads, or a "fringe", hanging from the trailing edge of her fluke.

Revised February 08, 2006 by Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Web Group
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