Far-ranging fin whales find year-round residence in Gulf of California

Date:  January 10, 2019

Source:  Oregon State University

Researchers from Mexico and the United States have concluded that a population of fin whales in the rich Gulf of California ecosystem may live there year-round -- an unusual circumstance for a whale species known to migrate across ocean basins.

What makes the discovery even more unusual, researchers note, is that they identified the pattern of movement of the fin whales, which are the second largest whale species in the world, using a satellite tracking data set from 2001. Oregon State University professor Bruce Mate, director of OSU's Marine Mammal Institute and co-author on the study, tagged 11 whales that year and was able to record the movements of nine of them for up to a year.

Since then, the OSU scientists have worked with colleagues in Mexico to further study the whales, in the process identifying via a 2011 photograph at least one female fin whale from the 2001 study -- this time, with a calf, indicating the whales may even stay in the region for breeding and calving.

Continued  

Watching whales from space

Date: November 1, 2018

Source: British Antarctic Survey

Scientists have used detailed high-resolution satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies' DigitalGlobe, to detect, count and describe four different species of whales. Reported this week in the journal Marine Mammal Science, this study is a big step towards developing a cost-effective method to study whales in remote and inaccessible places, that will help scientists to monitor population changes and understand their behaviour.

Each species was observed in one of their known aggregation areas, where individuals come together to congregate: southern right whales off Argentina, humpback whales off Hawaii, fin whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary in the Mediterranean and grey whales off the coast of Mexico. Already it has helped whale conservation bodies to identify 10 key inaccessible whale populations that would benefit most from the application of satellite imagery in studies.

Lead author Hannah Cubaynes, a whale ecologist at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and University of Cambridge explains:

Read on

No fin whales to be hunted in Iceland this summer

Director of country’s biggest whaling company says his fleet will not be hunting this season because of problems exporting the meat to Japan

Jessica Aldred

Thursday 25 February 2016 15.26 GMTLast modified on Thursday 25 February 201618.37 GMT

Conservationists are hopeful that an end to commercial whaling in Iceland has moved one step closer following media reports that no fin whales will be hunted there this summer.

Kristjan Loftsson, the director of Iceland’s largest whaling company, told daily newspaper Morgunbladid on Wednesday that Hvalur HF would not be sending out vessels to slaughter the endangered whales this season because of difficulties exporting the meat to the Japanese market.

Last year, Loftsson’s whaling company is reported to have killed 155 fin whales, and a total of 706 since Iceland resumed commercial whaling in 2006. Icelanders traditionally do not eat meat from fin whales, making the world’s second largest whale a species hunted specifically with a view for sale in Japan.

According to reports, Loftsson has faced increased difficulty in his whaling activities in recent years due to a combination of logistical problems, a falling market for whale meat and increased international opposition to whaling.

Last year’s fin whaling season, which usually begins in mid-June, was delayed because of a strike by veterinary inspectors. At the same time, the company’s attempts to ship 1,700 tonnes of whale meat to Japan via Angola were hampered by the reluctance of some foreign ports to allow transit of the meat. A similarly controversial delivery of 2,000 tonnes in 2014 sparked protests and was turned away from several ports.

Read on ...

Surge of frolicking whales prompts boating warning off San Francisco

115 humpback, fin and blue whales spotted in one hour near Farallon Islands

Recreational boaters told to stay 300ft away from feeding giants

Associated Press in San Francisco

Saturday 11 July 2015 22.52 BST

Dozens of whales are frolicking off Northern California’s coast in a feast for the eyes that has also prompted federal officials to issue a boating warning.

Officials documented 115 humpback, blue and fin whales during a one-hour survey last weekend near the Farallon Islands, the Marin Independent Journal reported on Saturday.

“We are alerting small boaters and large vessel operators to be on the alert for endangered whales, and to maintain minimum distances,” said Maria Brown, superintendent of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.

To ease the threat of vessels striking whales, federal officials say recreational boaters, including fishermen, should remain at least 300ft away – the federal minimum distance guideline.

Roger Thomas, the 80-year-old dean of the Bay Area salmon fleet who serves as skipper of Sausalito’s Salty Lady, said there seemed to be more whales near shore this year than ever before.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “Whales are all over the place.”

Continued ...

Alaska researcher investigates multiple endangered fin whale deaths

Nine whales appear to have died at the same time, area

Date:June 19, 2015

Source:University of Alaska Fairbanks

Summary:At least nine fin whales have been discovered floating dead in waters from Kodiak to Unimak Pass since late May. 'It is an unusual and mysterious event that appears to have happened around Memorial Day weekend,' said a marine mammal specialist. 'We rarely see more than one fin whale carcass every couple of years.'

On May 23, Wynne received a message from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration enforcement officers that crew members on the Alaska Marine Highway System's ferry MV Kennicott had photographed dead whales. During the next two weeks, boaters, fishermen and pilots reported floating dead whales in the area. Based on photos submitted with these reports, Wynne and her NOAA collaborators determined that at least nine fin whales died in a relatively small area. The dead whales are now drifting along both sides of Kodiak Island.

Read on ...

Iceland reprimanded by 35 countries over whaling

Posted by: Paul Newman / posted on September 15th, 2014

A formal diplomatic protest, known as a démarche, was today delivered to the Icelandic Government in Reykjavik. The top-level protest registered countries’ “strong opposition” to Iceland’s continued whaling, particularly of endangered fin whales.

The démarche also objects to Iceland’s international trade in whale products, stating: “Fin whales and minke whales are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I … and we remain extremely concerned with Iceland’s reservation, entered in 2000, for these and other cetacean species.”

The démarche was signed by the 28 EU Member States, the USA, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico and New Zealand. In addition, Monaco associated with the statement.

The 35 countries called on Iceland to “respect the IWC’s global moratorium and end its commercial whaling and international trade in whale products”.

Clare Perry, Senior Campaigner for the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), said: “Since 2006, Iceland’s whaling company Hvalur has killed more than 500 endangered fin whales, purely to cash in on a limited demand in Japan. This démarche highlights Iceland’s flagrant disregard for international efforts to conserve whales. We congratulate those countries that have initiated this protest and urge them and other countries to take further diplomatic efforts to bring an end to Iceland’s commercial whale slaughter.”

Continued ...

Whale numbers unusually high in the seas around Ireland to the delight of whalewatchers

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) reports upwards of 30 fin whales along a 50km stretch of the West Cork coastline in southern Ireland, between the Old Head of Kinsale and the Kedge area, which is unusual for this time of year.

Colin Barnes from Cork Whale Watch, who has spent several weeks observing the build-up of this activity confirms there are huge ‘fish clouds’ comprising small sprat or larval herring in the area and these are likely to be what is attracting the fin whales in such numbers.

Combined estimates from land and boat based sightings suggest there could also be 20 or more fin whales in the waters between Seven Heads and Galley Head, County Cork.

Continued ...

European campaign warns seafood expo: ‘don’t support whale slaughter’

Posted by: Paul Newman / posted on May 6th, 2014

An alliance of 13 leading conservation groups is this week urging major buyers at Europe’s biggest seafood trade show not to do business with Icelandic seafood company HB Grandi because of its strong links to whaling.

HB Grandi is controlled by the whaling and investment company Hvalur hf, which plans to kill 770 endangered fin whales during the next five years and sell the resulting meat and blubber to Japan.

The opening of the 2014 Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global trade event in Brussels today coincides with the arrival in Japan of a shipment of more than 2,000 tonnes of Icelandic whale products, including fin whale meat – cut, packed and prepared for export at an HB Grandi facility in Akranes, Iceland.

Several businesses with links to Hvalur are exhibiting at Seafood Expo, including HB Grandi and a number of its subsidiaries.

Continued

Iceland signs death warrants of 770 endangered fin whales

Last Friday the Icelandic government quietly signed off the quota of whales to be killed over the next five years. The total includes 770 endangered fin whales and 1145 minke whales. Despite Iceland’s only whaling company having increasing difficulty in finding a market for whale meat the government has decided to continue to issue annual quotas for the killing of whales.

The quota which will run from next year will see the whaling company run by Kristjan Loftsson able to harpoon and kill 229 minke whales each year and 154 fin whales each year. The market for whale meat in Iceland is shrinking and new markets are having to be found for the whale meat including for use as dog food in Japan.

Continued

Iceland to kill more than 180 endangered Fin whales this year

Call for U.S. action as Iceland violates international whaling law 

May 2013. A coalition of international animal welfare and conservation groups is calling on the Obama Administration to impose economic sanctions against Iceland after Icelandic whaling company Hvalur hf announced it will hunt and sell the meat of up to 184 endangered Fin whales this summer after a two year hiatus. Iceland is one of three countries that refuse to abide by international whaling laws banning the killing and trading of whales for commercial gain. The groups have sent a letter to the US Secretaries of State, Commerce and Interior calling for stronger measures by the Obama Administration. 

"President Obama has said that the US opposes resumed commercial whaling by Iceland" said Susan Millward, Executive Director of the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI). "It is now time to act. Certification by the Secretary of Interior is long overdue and should be concluded urgently. There is no obstacle preventing President Obama from imposing trade sanctions against Iceland now under the Pelly Amendment." 

496 Minke and 280 Fin whales killed

Iceland has flouted international laws since 2003; killing 496 Minke whales and 280 endangered Fin whales and exporting over 2,800 metric tons of whale products to Japan. Despite international pressure to discontinue this barbaric practice, Iceland recently announced plans to resume Fin whaling this season after a two year pause, beginning in June. 

"Endangered whales do not belong on a chopping block or dinner table," said Taryn Kiekow, staff attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. "The United States can play a pivotal role in ending the slaughter of whales by imposing economic sanctions that send a clear message-whaling is no longer tolerated." 

Continued: http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/iceland-fin.html

Fin whales thriving off Italian Coast

Presence of Fin whales Central Tyrrhenian Sea increased over time

December 2012. A new study undertaken by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA shows that frequency of occurrence of Fin whales in the central Tyrrhenian sea has increased by 300% over 20 years.

Surveys from ferries
From 1989 to 1992 dedicated cetacean surveys along a trans regional fixed-transect in the central Tyrrhenian sea were carried out twice a week, using passengers ferries as a research observation platform. Collected data provided new information about cetacean species and their distribution in the region. From 2007 the research restarted with same protocol; the fixed line transect seasonally monitored the line from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Golfo Aranci (Sardinia), along a strategic area just outside the southern border of the Pelagos Sanctuary.

Despite the environmental changes and the viral epidemic that affected some cetaceans in the area during the two monitoring programmes, distribution, relative abundance and group size were largely unaffected for all species except the Fin whales. Sightings of Fins whale have surprisingly increased (+300%) and their spatial and temporal distribution showed a radical difference between the two periods. In both investigated periods the most common sighted species were striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

Reasons behind the increase of animal in the investigated area could be linked to high levels of Chlorophyll and increase maritime traffic in the Pelagos Sanctuary.

Cetacean monitoring network
ISPRA is within a network that monitors cetaceans using passengers ferries; types of observation platforms and cost of research, in fact, have been the main problems in the development of monitoring programs capable to survey cetacean population over time. Due to low costs, standard route, speed and height of the observation point, ferries are an efficient and cost-effective platform of opportunity for long-term monitoring programmes of cetaceans.

The surveys confirmed the existence of cetacean high density areas and the consequent need for conservation measures such as an extension of Pelagos Sanctuary southern border and the adoptions of specific measures in such areas.

Partners of the network are, among the others, CIMA Research Foundation, University of Pisa, EcoOcean Institute, GIS3M, the MPA Capo Carbonara, Sicilian Ketos, Accademia Leviatano, Fondazione CARICIV and Pelagos France.

The scientific journal Marine Ecology published this study#

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/italy-fin-whale.html

40 Blue whales sighted off San Diego coast

Among one of the largest groupings of whales ever sighted in the area 
August 2012. One of the largest recorded sightings of Blue whales off the coast of San Diego has been spotted by veteran aerial photographer and marine biologist Eddie Kisfaludy.

About forty Blue whales whave been sighted swimming in waters 15 miles west of La Jolla. Kisfaludy spotted the aggregation while flying a fixed wing aircraft conducting surveys for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Sportfishing Association of California.

40 Blue whales and 6 Fin whales
"A population of about 40 Blue whales and a half dozen Fin whales were spotted between 15 and 25 miles offshore San Diego from the Coronado Islands up to La Jolla.," stated Kisfaludy.

The world's largest poo
Peak migration season occurs during the summer months off the Southern California coast. Blue whales can grow as much as 100 feet in length, and as the largest mammals on Earth, Blue whales leave behind something well, a little less glorious. The biggest poo on Earth? Definitely.

These Blue whales have been feeding off massive amounts of krill, the main staple of their diet, while traveling in these waters. Their poo is easy to spot from the air; it's the same bright orange colour as the krill they digest.

Oceans Aloft
Oceans Aloft LLC provides aerial field support, photography and filming for oceanography and cimematography projects including biological collection, specimen transport, documentary filming, and surveying. Kisfaludy is President of Oceans Aloft and holds a degree in Biology from San Diego State University, is an FAA Pilot, and a Professional Association of Diving Instructors Dive Master. Kisfaludy oversees shipboard and submersible operations of Virgin Oceanic, and has served on--‐screen for The Discovery Channel, National Geographic's "Shark Men" and other science--‐based programming. Kisfaludy is based in San Diego, California.

More about Oceans Aloft 

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/blue-whales-40.html#cr

Iceland abandons Fin whale hunt - For now

IFAW welcomes end to Fin whaling in Iceland

May 2012. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has welcomed the news that Iceland has called an end to the cruel practice of harpooning endangered Fin whales.

Kristjan Loftsson, the lone Icelandic whaler responsible for killing 280 Fin whales (Seven Fin whales were killed in Iceland's waters in 2006, 125 in 2009 and 148 in 2010.) in Icelandic waters over the past six years, cited difficulties in trading the meat with Japan following its tsunami tragedy as a reason for cancelling last year's hunt. He has now abandoned plans to train his harpoons on the whales in 2012, according to Icelandic media reports.

Whale watching possibilities
IFAW, which has worked alongside Icelandic whale watch operators for several years to promote whale watching as a humane and profitable alternative to the cruelty of whaling, welcomed the decision.

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/fin-iceland.html

Iceland to resume hunt of endangered Fin whales

Conservationists Urge EU and US Governments to Intervene

April 2012. Conservation and animal welfare groups have expressed concern over news that Iceland's hunt of endangered Fin whales will resume this summer.

The Icelandic newspaper Skessuhorn reported that it had "reliable evidence" Fin whaling will begin again, after being shut down last summer due to the impacts of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Although Kristján Loftsson, director of Hvalur, would not confirm, the paper claimed it had evidence that whaling will begin in June and is likely to last for three months.

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) are urging European and US leaders to take strong diplomatic actions to end Iceland's continued and expanding whaling.

2000 tonnes of whale meat exported
Clare Perry, EIA senior campaigner, said: "Iceland has exported almost 2,000 tonnes of whale meat to Japan in recent years. The Icelandic whaling company Hvalur is deliberately growing an export market for an endangered species which is protected by two international agreements to which Iceland is signatory. We are calling on the EU and US to take urgent steps to end this rogue whaling."

Annual quota of 150-170 Fin whales & 216 Minke whales
Iceland has engaged in commercial whaling for years in defiance of the international moratorium agreed to by the International Whaling Commission in 1982. Hvalur has an annual quota of 150-170 endangered Fin whales. Iceland's annual Minke whale hunt is also expected to resume soon, with a quota of 216 animals.

"Iceland's commercial slaughter of Minke whales - like the Fin whale hunts - is cruel and unnecessary," said Vanessa Williams-Grey of WDCS. "Much of the Minke whale meat on sale in Iceland is consumed by tourists, including from the UK, US and Germany, who adopt a ‘when in Rome' attitude on holiday, despite the fact that few Icelanders consume Minke whale meat on a regular basis. Until last autumn, Iceland allowed Minke whale meat to be sold in Keflavik airport's departure area, even though most countries prohibit its import and could prosecute those importing whale meat."

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/iceland-fin-whales.html

Iceland exports more Fin whale meat to Japan

ahoo! urged to stop selling the meat of endangered whales
October 2011. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has confirmed that another 131 tonnes of Icelandic Fin whale meat has been shipped to Japan and renewed its call for global retailer Yahoo! to immediately prohibit the sale of the endangered species via Yahoo! Japan.

The latest shipment brings the total of Fin whale exported to Japan since Iceland resumed commercial whaling to more than 1,500 tonnes, despite the CITES Appendix 1 listing of Fin whales clearly prohibiting international trade.

In July, the EIA report Renegade Whaling identified Icelandic company Hvalur and its multi-millionaire boss Kristján Loftsson as hunting Fin whales for export to Japan via a company he helped to set up.
US sanctions
But despite Iceland being certified under the US Pelly Amendment later that same month, it has now been confirmed that in August a new export to Japan took place of 131 tonnes of Fin whale product with an estimated value of 209 million Icelandic króna ($1.7 million).
On September 15, US President Barack Obama stated that Iceland's whaling and trade in the meat threatens the conservation status of an endangered species and undermines multilateral efforts to ensure greater worldwide protection for whales. Stopping short of targeted trade sanctions, he nevertheless announced diplomatic measures aiming to push Iceland to halt the trade.

Yahoo!
Yahoo Japan! sells numerous Icelandic Fin whale products, including large (1.5kg) blocks of meat, bacon (blubber) and canned products. As of September 2011, these products and many more were still available on the internet from Yahoo! Japan shopping sites; a survey by EIA found 10 different retailers offering Icelandic Fin whale meat products for sale via Yahoo! Japan.

"At a time when the US Government is applying international pressure to force an end to Iceland's whaling and international trade, Yahoo! Japan is effectively encouraging further hunting of the species by selling endangered Fin whale meat products on its website," said EIA Senior Campaigner Clare Perry.
"It's long past due that Yahoo! put its house in order and stopped profiting from, and stimulating, this bloody and wholly unnecessary slaughter."

EIA first called on Yahoo! Japan in April 2010 to ban all sales of whale, dolphin and porpoise products on its store and auction websites after discovering that many products contained high levels of the neurotoxin mercury.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/whale-meat.html

Iceland exports 131 tonnes whale meat, despite sanction threat

The Icelandic killing of Fin whales is illegal'
September 2011: More than 100 tonnes of whale products from Iceland's endangered Fin whales was exported in July - despite the pending threat of US trade sanctions.

America had warned Iceland it was considering the sanctions because it had violated a global ban on commercial whaling - but this has failed to prevent the export of a further 133 metric tonnes of whale meat.

The meat, worth more than $1.2million was exported to Japan in July.

Only US sanctions will stop this crime‘There is a line in the sand that Iceland has just crossed,' said Allan Thornton, president of America's Environmental Investigation Agency.

‘The Icelandic killing of Fin whales is illegal and its illegal export of whale meat will lead to further illegal killing of Fin whales. Only US sanctions against fish imports by the seafood company linked to Iceland's whaling company will stop this environmental crime.'

Since 2006, 280 endangered Fin whales, the second largest animal on the planet, have been killed by the Icelandic whaling company Hvalur, and earlier this year America confirmed that Iceland was undermining the effectiveness of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) by permitting commercial whaling and international trade in endangered Fin whale meat.

Iceland has exported almost 1400 metric tonnes of Fin whale meat and blubber to Japan , worth around $18 million, since it began killing Fin whales.

Meat shipped to Japan, Norway and LatviaAs well as the shipments of whale meat and blubber to Japan, Iceland has exported whale products including whale oil to Norway, the Faroes Islands and Latvia, despite a ban on such international trade in products of great whale species by the Convention on International trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Conservationists are now pressing for action. Sue Fisher, policy director for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society said: ‘Not only is Iceland abusing two international conservation agreements, it is setting Fin whale quotas that are three times higher than sustainable levels according to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), the world's foremost authority on whale science.

‘American citizens overwhelmingly oppose commercial whaling, and nothing less than economic sanctions will fulfill President Obama's promise to strengthen the commercial ban on whale hunting.'

Susan Millward, executive director of the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) said: ‘This recent export demonstrates the urgent need for President Obama to immediately impose economic measures including trade sanctions against Iceland.'
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/iceland-sanctions.html

55-Foot Beached Chinese 'Sea Monster' Identified

http://news.discovery.com/animals/55-foot-sea-monster-found-dead-on-beach-identified-110624.html

According to multiple media reports, a 55-foot-long marine animal recently washed up dead on a beach at Guangdong, China. You can see its decaying body in the above image. Now the question is: What's this species that beach goers are calling a "sea monster?"

Live Science showed the photo to three marine biology experts: Scott Baker of Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute, Bill Perrin, senior scientist for marine mammals at the National Marine Fisheries Service, and Bob Brownell, senior scientist for international protected resources with NOAA's Fisheries Service.

Read on...

'Largest' Fin whale gathering spotted in British waters

Fin whales seen by scientists 'lunge-feeding' near the
surface of the water

7 June 2011

Scientists have described whale sightings off the Cornish coast as one of the "largest gatherings" of the species ever seen in British waters.

Researchers spotted 21 fin whales 50 to 70 miles offshore, feeding near the surface over 30 minutes.

The fin whale, the second largest animal on the planet, is a globally endangered species.

Dr Tom Brereton, research director from Marinelife, said it was an "incredibly rare event".

The species were seen in an area known as the Celtic Deep, between north Cornwall and south west Pembrokeshire, on 21 May while researchers were on a three-week cruise in the area surveying numbers of schooling fish such as sardines.

The survey is due to finish on Thursday.

'Top predators'

Dr Brereton said: "It is very unusual to see those numbers, historically it's never occurred in that area.

"In the last 10 years there's been one or two sightings that have cropped up off the coast of Wales and Cornwall which has been quite big news, but to see 20 more or less together in one small area is really fantastic."

Fin whales are usually found in large numbers in the Bay of Biscay, but their presence in British waters is a relatively new discovery.

Experts on the ship suggested that the whales may have been chasing a dense crowd of krill into the area.

Dr Colin MacLeod, Marinelife's chief scientific adviser, said the sighting could be part of a wider movement of sea creatures around Britain's coast as a result of climate change.

"These changes indicate the extent to which climate change is affecting our marine animals.

"If it is affecting these top predators to such an extent, it is likely that it is also affecting other marine life further down the food chain, including species which are commercially important for the fishing industry," he said.

Marinelife is a charity working to study and maintain numbers of whales, dolphins and seabirds around the British coast.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-13680731
(Submitted by Liz R)

Spate of Fin whale sightings off Irish Coast

Fin whales concentrating along Waterford coast - Courtesy of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG)

December 2010. There has been a steady flow of sightings of Fin whales in the past month off Waterford in South East Ireland.

Andrew Malcolm reports from the mine shafts area just east of Bunmahon, at least 6 fin whales, some of whom were so close inshore that on one occasion they could be heard "blowing" within 400m of the shore. None of the others were >1KM out. This is exceptional behaviour for the planet's 2nd largest animal. IWDG member Declan Clarke has been recording almost daily fin whale activity from Bunmahon in recent weeks.

2 year trend as herring shoals gather - Humpbacks may be attracted

This is a very interesting development and suggests the beginning of a trend in the past two years of these large whales gathering much further to the east of their former West Cork haunts. Local fishermen are reporting large densities of herring gathering in this area. But it is still early in the season for herring and it is likely that as they aggregate in even larger shoals to spawn over the coming months that they will attract larger numbers of fin whales, and let's hope some humpback whales too.

It's great to see the southeast getting such reliable large whale sightings for the second consecutive year, and IWDG would encourage local recorders to report any sightings to Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG)

Commercial Whale watching trips are available out of Dunmore East by Skipper Martin Colfer of the MV Rebecca C, Ph. 087-2657177. But places like Youghal would be excellent locations to view whales currently off East Cork and West Waterford.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/ireland-fin-whales.html