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Earlier this week, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) reported a rare whale sighting off the coast of County Donegal near Sliabh Liag in Ireland. The North Atlantic right whale, one of the most critically endangered large marine mammals, is thought to number less than 350 by 2023. These creatures could be extinct within 20 years.
“This is an exceptionally rare record for the eastern Atlantic, where this species has been largely absent for decades, if not longer. We could argue that the last positive identification of this species in Ireland was in 1910,” the IWDG said.
North Atlantic right whales are large and dense creatures known for their curiosity and acrobatics. Historically, they were hunted heavily for their blubber, which was used as whale oil to fuel the Industrial Revolution and lubricate factory machinery from 1760 to 1840.
Commercial whalers nearly drove Atlantic right whales to extinction in the early 1890s. They have been considered endangered since 1970. Their habitat now overlaps with the heavily industrialized ocean region from Florida to Newfoundland, covering more than 1,000 miles of busy coastline. Most whales are now being killed by boats and fishing equipment.
The IWDG has stated that they consult widely to ensure the accuracy of recordings of rare species. The sighting was confirmed by the New England Aquarium, which manages the North Atlantic right whale photo ID catalog in the US.
‘This is our chance to help’
The IWDG asked wildlife lovers to avoid approaching the whale and observe it from the shore using binoculars or other optics. The group requested that people behave responsibly and allow the whale to remain in Donegal Bay. There, it would likely be eating small copepods without being disturbed by small boats and tourists.
It added: “Like all whales, they enjoy full protection under Irish law. This is our chance to help a whale population that is at risk. Please allow this to take place.”
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Published: July 20, 2024, 01:37 PM IST
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