Locals urged to ‘keep away’ from useless fin whale on Scottish seashore

On Jan 26, 2024

The fin whale was found on Wednesday January 24
It grew to become stranded on Culcross Beach, Fife, throughout Storm Jocelyn

Published: 12:11, 26 January 2024 | Updated: 12:21, 26 January 2024

A useless whale has washed up on a seashore in Scotland and locals are being urged to ‘keep away’ from the large carcass.

The fin whale was found on Wednesday January 24 after it grew to become stranded on Culcross Beach, Fife, throughout Storm Jocelyn. It is believed the whale died shortly afterwards.

Measuring round 59 toes lengthy, the useless fin whale belongs to the second largest species of whales on the planet.

The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust are conscious of the scenario and are placing collectively plans for the elimination of the physique. Meanwhile, as a result of inaccessibility of the world, the tidal vary, and the character of the terrain, they’ve suggested the general public to remain away.

Robbie Blyth, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust’s Head of Operations, stated: ‘Due to the whale’s massive measurement and site a ultimate resolution won’t be made till subsequent week on what motion shall be taken to eliminate the whale.

The fin whale was discovered on Wednesday January 24 after it became stranded on Culcross Beach, Fife, during Storm Jocelyn. Measuring around 59 feet long, the dead fin whale belongs to the second largest species of whales in the world

The fin whale was found on Wednesday January 24 after it grew to become stranded on Culcross Beach, Fife, throughout Storm Jocelyn. Measuring round 59 toes lengthy, the useless fin whale belongs to the second largest species of whales on the planet

The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust are aware of the situation and are putting together plans for the removal of the body. Meanwhile, they have advised the public to stay away

The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust are conscious of the scenario and are placing collectively plans for the elimination of the physique. Meanwhile, they’ve suggested the general public to remain away

What is a fin whale?

Fin whales are the second largest whale species on earth, reaching 88 toes in size. They are discovered all through the world’s ocean.

It is uncommon to see the species within the British Isles however extra widespread in Scotland the place the carcass washed-up.

Fin whales is simple to identify on account of its glossy, streamlined physique and the distinct chevron sample on its again.

The whale lives off a eating regimen of fish and squid together with massive fish equivalent to cod.

It is believed the fin whale can reside as much as 100 years.

Around 100,000 fin whales exist globally and it’s an endangered species after whale searching within the nineteenth and twentieth century decimated the inhabitants.

Commercial searching of fin whales nonetheless takes place in nations equivalent to Japan and Iceland.

Source: British Sea Fishing

He stated: ‘Strategies for disposal embody burying the physique, transporting it to a landfill or incinerator or towing it out to sea.’

Councillor Graeme Downie, who represents the world on Fife Council, stated: ‘ Fife Coast & Countryside Trust are conscious of a useless whale on the shore at Culross.’

‘Their operations staff are on-site in the meanwhile and can determine the plan of action.

‘Please hear and obey all recommendation given by employees on the website and I’ll replace additional if there’s extra info.’

Dead whale carcass may be notoriously troublesome to take away on account of their massive measurement. They can be harmful to go close to as a result of the carcasses can explode on account of inside stress from gases contained in the physique because the decomposition course of takes place.

In November 2023,Newquay residents have been urged to steer clear of a useless whale on Fistral seashore whereas a postmortem was carried out. This was on account of fears the mammal’s blood may very well be poisonous.

A useless whale was faraway from the Thames in December 2023 after it was discovered by a canine walker on the shoreline.

It is believed the fin whale discovered itself stranded on Culcross seashore throughout Storm Jocelyn which battered Scotland earlier this week with winds of as much as 80mph. The storm got here days after the nation was hit by Storm Isha.