Nature / ‘All options’ being considered to encourage whale back out to sea
LOCAL naturalists are looking at “all options” to encourage a large sperm whale to leave Whiteness Voe.
The whale has been present in the voe since last week, and there are fears it may strand itself.
In an update issued on Monday, NatureScot’s Karen Hall said the whale’s breathing rate and behaviour seems as “normal as it can be, given it’s in a relatively shallow area and can’t deep dive”.
“Although it’s very unlikely to be feeding, sperm whales can go some time without food,” she added.
Hall said it appears the whale has not stranded since last week, and it is keeping to the deeper channels and pools in the area.
“Although this is good news in that it isn’t stranding, it does mean that it appears to be reluctant to cross over the sill south and get past the Nesbister Bod,” she said.
“We are looking at all options to encourage him to leave. It’s logistically complicated and requires conditions to be just right to have the best chance of success – everyone is rooting for him.
“There will be two boats moving into this area – these are local boats getting into position in advance and assisting with monitoring.”
Hall also gave thanks to everyone watching out for the whale and also those providing advice from afar.
The whale is thought to be around 50 tonnes in weight and 45 feet in length.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
