An Unprecedented Sight: Humpback Whale in the Shannon Estuary
A remarkable event unfolded recently in the Shannon Estuary, Ireland: the sighting of a humpback whale, a species never before recorded in this waterway. This unprecedented occurrence has sparked concerns among environmentalists and marine experts alike, prompting immediate action to ensure the whale's safety. The immature humpback whale has been spotted on multiple occasions over the past week, most recently feeding south of Querrin village, near Moneypoint Power Station. The appearance of this majestic creature in the estuary, according to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), is completely unexpected. They believe the whale is likely to remain in the estuary for at least a month before beginning its extensive 4,000km migration to breeding grounds off West Africa.
Concerns of Ship Strike and Safety Measures
The IWDG's primary concern is the potential for a 'ship strike'. The Shannon Estuary is a busy waterway with significant maritime traffic. The speeds of large vessels, especially above 14 knots (19 km/h), dramatically increase the risk of collision with the whale. At such speeds, the whale would have insufficient time to react and evade the approaching ship. To mitigate this risk, the IWDG is urgently appealing to ships operating in the estuary, and the Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC), to temporarily reduce their speeds to around 10 knots (approximately 18km/h). Simon Berrow of the IWDG highlighted the severity of ship strikes globally, stating, “Ship-strike, or when large vessels hit whales, is quite a problem in some parts of the world. We have seen big ships coming into ports like Rotterdam with whales actually on the bows of the ships after being hit in open ocean.” He emphasizes that although not a common issue in Ireland, the current situation necessitates a precautionary approach.
Monitoring and Identification
The IWDG is actively tracking the whale's movements utilizing drones to measure the whale's size and gather data potentially leading to identification. The group maintains records of numerous humpback whales that have been sighted in Irish waters, allowing for individual identification based on unique markings and skin blemishes. The IWDG’s expertise in tracking humpback whales extends over 20 years. Mr. Berrow noted, “We have been monitoring humpback whales in Ireland for more than 20 years and we can track individual whales. Over the past 20 years the number of whales has increased year on year.” This long-term monitoring provides valuable insights into the whale populations and their distribution patterns.
A Whale's Journey and Environmental Factors
Many humpback whales sighted off Ireland’s west coast migrate to West Africa for breeding after several weeks of feeding in Irish waters. Recent observations suggest changes in the distribution of their prey, possibly due to climate change, are pushing them further north than previously recorded, up to Donegal Bay. Mr. Berrow expressed his surprise at this unusual sighting, stating, “We never, ever expected a humpback whale to appear in the Shannon Estuary. To be honest with you, if someone had told me this a month ago I wouldn’t have believed them. I have spoken to some of the old folks [in West Clare] and none of them ever remember seeing the likes of a humpback whale in the Shannon Estuary. It is unprecedented.” This highlights the potential impacts of climate change on marine life and their migration patterns.
A Collaborative Effort for Conservation
The SFPC, though not confirming the implementation of a speed limit, stated that they are actively collaborating with the IWDG, monitoring the situation closely and reporting any sightings. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of relevant stakeholders to ensuring the humpback whale's safety and well-being. This is a critical time for the whale to build its food reserves and grow before its long migration. The IWDG is urging mariners to remain vigilant and report any sightings to aid in the tracking and monitoring efforts. Their ongoing research is crucial for understanding these magnificent creatures and protecting their habitats. The situation in the Shannon Estuary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of careful consideration for marine wildlife in our increasingly busy waterways.
The IWDG's appeal for cooperation highlights the vital role of collective action in protecting Ireland’s unique marine ecosystem. Their unwavering dedication and expertise serve as a beacon of hope in our shared responsibility to safeguard this precious natural resource for future generations. The whale's presence offers a unique opportunity for increased awareness and understanding of these magnificent creatures, fostering a greater appreciation for the intricate balance of the marine world around us. This is a truly extraordinary event that warrants our utmost attention and care.
