Conservation group issues sad update on fate of Waterford Estuary whale 

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have announced that the sperm whale spotted in Waterford Estuary last month has died.

In a post on social media on Wednesday, April 9, the group said: “We can confirm that the sperm whale that entered the shallow bay at Ettrick on Bute, western Scotland yesterday, April 8, is the same sperm whale that entered and left Waterford Estuary two weeks ago on March 25. However, our colleagues at BDMLR have just informed us that it died this morning.”

In an update to the article on the IWDG website, Sightings Officer Pádraig Whooley wrote that they had received a report on Tuesday from their colleagues in the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) that a sperm whale matching the description was seen entering Ettrick Bay in Bute, Scotland.

Using photographs of the markings around the dorsal fin and flanks, they were able to confirm it was the Waterford whale.

Over two weeks, the whale travelled a minimum distance of 500km, and they believe, spent several days in Clyde before entering the bay, according to Mr Whooley.

“A sad but predictable end to a whale that was in a difficult situation for at least two weeks.  

“It’s remarkable given the lack of food or suitable prey for this apex predator in the shallow waters of the Celtic Sea, Irish Sea and the North Channel, that it somehow managed to travel so far and survive as long as it did. Its journey and suffering are now over,” wrote Mr Whooley.

FIRST SIGHTING 

The sperm whale was first reported two weeks ago, on March 25, at Bromwell Point.

The animal then travelled toward Passage East and headed back toward a shipping channel close to Duncannon.

The last sighting was 1.5 miles south of Red Head on the Waterford side of the estuary entrance.

Until Tuesday, there were no more updates, and the IWDG believed that was good news.

But sperm whales are deep divers and should not be in shallow waters, which may indicate the health of this animal.

REPORTING 

The tracking of this animal was possible not only because of the work of the IWDG and BDMLR but also reports from members of the public.

You can report a sighting to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group through their website or on the mobile reporting app.

Seeing these animals is exciting, but remember, they are wild, and they need their space.

Those in boats should keep a distance of at least 100 metres, and that includes kayaks.

Ideally, if you want to watch whales, you should do so from the shore with binoculars.

The IWDG ask that the public maintain a respectful distance as these animals are highly protective and dangerous if stressed.