Dead humpback whale appears on shores of Wester Ross after ‘chronic entanglement’
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A dead humpback whale has appeared Wester Ross shores after suffering a “chronic entanglement”.
Over the weekend (April 20), a fisherman reported seeing a whale washed ashore on Annat Bay in the Scoraig peninsula, Wester Ross.
Local environmentalist group, the Ullapool Sea Savers went out to Scoraig on their boat Mada-Chuain. They confirmed it was a deceased young male humpback whale, aged only two or three. A humpback whale’s estimated lifetime of 80 to 90 years.
After notifying Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme (SMASS), team members travelled to Scoraig to take samples and try to determine the cause of death.
Ullapool local, Noel Hawkins is a medic for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and an environmental consultant for the Ullapool Sea Savers.
Noel said: “Sadly, indications of chronic entanglement pointed towards a sad end for this amazing animal. He was 27.5 foot long, and estimated to be just 2 or 3 years old. It is impossible to say whether he became entangled locally or further afield, and in which specific type of gear. Entanglement is a global issue and not just a problem in our Scottish waters.
“Additional samples will help to identify not only what the animal had been eating but also when and perhaps even where, as well as providing other vital information to help us learn more about this amazing species and the threats they face.
“Please always remember, if you find an injured, stranded or entangled cetacean live, please notify British Divers Marine Life Rescue as soon as possible. If dead, please notify Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme in Scotland and Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme – UK strandings in England and Wales.
“Massive thanks to everyone involved in this huge undertaking, from the fisherman who first called it in, to the scientists who worked so hard to get the necessary data, and make something positive from such a sad event. The research done from dead animals really is invaluable in trying to takes steps to address the complex array of issues involved, and ultimately hopefully avoid or at least reduce further incidents.
“In Scotland there are strong, concerted, constructive efforts being made to understand the issues, and to try mitigate them and ideally stop this happening.”
Local vet and ocean advocate, Cal Major was also at the scene to help, alongside photographer James Appleton who helped to document the incident.
The Scottish Entanglement Alliance includes a number of marine research groups, as well as rescue teams. The Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) and fishing industry representatives are also looking to work to find solutions to this problem. Click here to find out more.
