Baleen whales can be found in all oceans worldwide, from polar seas to temperate and tropical zones. Some species of baleen whales have limited distribution while others are found throughout the world. Certain species are limited to specific environmental zones. Southern right whales are only found in the southern hemisphere.
Bowhead whales inhabit the waters around the Arctic ice edges that melt and reform seasonally.
Blue, sei, fin, Minke, and humpback whales have worldwide distributions. Bryde's whales are found throughout the tropics and subtropics. Some populations of baleen whale species are resident to restricted areas. A population of fin whales is found year-round in the Gulf of California. Some species give birth and rear young in protected coastal bays and lagoons.