A massive fin whale has washed ashore in Waterford, raising awareness about marine life and urging locals to stay clear of the area for safety.
Cllr Thomas Phelan shared photos on social media. He mentioned that the whale is between Ballinclamper and Ballinard car parks. Local authorities have been informed about the situation.
They’re advising people, especially dog walkers, to keep their distance. It’s a sad sight, but it’s important to stay safe.
Waterford is known for whale-watching, especially in winter. Fin and humpback whales are often seen off the coast from November to January.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group says fin whales aren’t rare in Irish waters. They’ve identified around 60 individuals so far. One famous fin whale, named Scar, has been spotted many times between Cork and Waterford since 2005.
Did you know fin whales are the second largest animals on Earth? They can grow up to 24 meters long! Sadly, they’ve faced threats from whaling in the past, but their numbers are slowly bouncing back.
This isn’t the first time marine mammals have washed up in Munster. Just last December, a dolphin and a fin whale were found in Tramore, Waterford, just a day apart.
In August, a massive 22-meter whale was removed from a beach in Kerry after lying there for a month. It’s a reminder of how important it is to protect our oceans.
