Minke whales are one of the smallest of the baleen whales and are found in all the oceans of the world. They are also one of the most abundant whales, which unfortunately makes them a principal target of today’s whaling industry. This comprehensive introduction to minke whales examines the unique characteristics that set them apart from the other whales. It traces their life cycles, feeding and social behaviour as well as their ranges around the world. We also gain a unique insight into their marine environment, learn of their interactions with man at the surface and that many individual whales return to the same banks and bays year after year.