Rare Fin Whale Washes Up on Welsh Beach

On September 3, 2023, beachgoers at Cefn Sidan in Carmarthenshire, Wales, reported the stranding of a large marine animal, later confirmed to be a fin whale, the second largest whale species after the blue whale. The Marine Environmental Monitoring (MEM) team assessed the whale the following day and noted that it had been dead for some time, resulting in a significant state of decomposition. The whale measured approximately 21 meters (about 70 feet) in length and weighed around 50 tons, with its lower jaw reaching five meters (16 feet).

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This incident marks only the fourth recorded stranding of a fin whale along the Welsh coast in the last 24 years, with the previous occurrence noted in 2020. Fin whales are typically found in the waters off Cornwall, Ireland, and Scotland, making their appearance in the Irish Sea particularly rare. The discovery of this whale follows another stranding earlier that week, where a 12-month-old long-finned pilot whale was found dead at Rhossili Bay after attempts to return it to the sea were unsuccessful.

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Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, confirmed the whale's stranding and stated that samples would be sent to the London Zoological Society for analysis, including tests for pollutants and genetic research. Due to the whale's size and remote location, officials decided against intervention, allowing natural processes to occur. The public has been advised to avoid contact with the carcass due to its deteriorated condition.

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Conservationists have expressed concern over the health of marine ecosystems, as previous strandings have often involved whales that were malnourished or affected by pollution, including microplastics. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) highlights that fin whales have been severely impacted by historical commercial whaling, with populations still recovering. The sighting of this fin whale raises questions about the environmental conditions in Welsh waters and the challenges faced by marine life.

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• “This is a significant event: fin whales extremely rarely appear off the coast of Wales,” — Matthew Westfield, Marine Environment Monitoring Coordinator.

Giant creature washed up on Welsh beach, surprising locals

• “As fin whales are a rare and vulnerable species, samples have been removed for analysis at the London Zoological Society which is standard procedure during discoveries of such rare whales.” — Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism.

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• “To see two whales of such different species strand on the same day in Wales is highly unusual. Every stranding gives us vital information about the health of our seas and the challenges marine life is facing.” — Marine Environmental Monitoring.

Two whales found stranded on Welsh beaches in a single day

The carcass of the fin whale will undergo a full post-mortem examination as part of the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP). Marine experts continue to encourage the public to report any stranded marine animals to ensure proper handling and research. The findings from this incident may provide insights into the health of marine ecosystems and the impact of human activity on marine species.

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