Minke Whale 20-05-14

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Minke Whale 20-05-14

Postby 6347Karl » Thu May 22, 2014 10:02 pm

Thought readers would like an update of information regarding the Minke whale that was brought in and landed on the slip in the inner harbour on Tuesday 20th May 2014.
The whale had been reported to SMASS (Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme) in Inverness by the Campbeltown Fishery Officer and Harbour Master and members of the public. Due to other strandings SMASS could not attended and tasked me to gather information and samples for testing. Below is a copy from their report on the findings gathered.

The second animal was a 7.9m long sub-adult female weighing 4,250kg that was brought ashore at Campbeltown, Kintyre by a fishing vessel after been found entangled in creel lines at sea. The SMASS team weren’t able to attend this animal before it was sent for disposal, but SMASS volunteer for Kintyre Karl Hurd attended and took accurate photos measurements and samples. Bruising around the tailstock and erosion of the skin in a characteristic ‘V’ pattern are very consistent with the animal getting a rope wrapped around its tail and we were therefore able to confirm this as a case of entanglement.

The end result means that the Minke had swam into and got caught up in the creel ropes and then drowned as a result of being entangled in the ropes and not being able to reach the surface for air
6347Karl
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Re: Minke Whale 20-05-14

Postby DARUADH » Wed May 28, 2014 11:32 pm

Aw, what sad news. Had hoped to hear natural causes :( poor magnificent creature.
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