The event is rare enough to warrant mention: an impressive blue whale was spotted last week off the coast of Ireland (Co. Galway). A phenomenon that had NOT occurred for 6 years! Observed on July 23 by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), this whale is one of the largest animals on the planet… and there have only been 18 sightings of such animals off the Irish coast since 2008.
The whale was spotted in an area of Porcupine Bank, along the edge of the Irish shelf, around 175 nautical miles northwest of Slyne Head – the most westerly point of County Galway. For IWDG specialists, there’s no doubt about it: blue whales use this area to migrate between high-latitude feeding grounds and breeding grounds.
Other whales could therefore logically be encountered in this area. Scientists intend to keep a close eye on this corridor: encounters with other blue whales of this type could support this hypothesis.
Unfortunately, this species is currently threatened with extinction. The blue whale has always been hunted by man. Highly sought-after in the 19th century, it was prized for its “oil”: a powerful fuel that, among other things, provided cities with lighting. Europe’s growing need for energy resources has driven fishermen to fish more and more blue whales… risking extinction.
Fortunately, their hunting has since been banned, and blue whale numbers are slowly increasing (although these animals are now threatened by pollution, climate change, etc.).
Nevertheless, the presence of these whales in Irish waters is a strong sign. With a bit of luck, these whales are on the increase and appreciate the purity of the local waters… Fingers crossed.
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