Caithness Minke Whale sightings to 21-6-08
Thurso Bay
26th May x1....16th June x1.....17th June x1.....18th June x3.....21st June x1
Whaligoe, Ulbster.
31st May x1
Duncansby Head
20th May x1
Colin Bird
Sea Watch Coordinator NE
Minke Whales Lybster 8-9-08
2 Minke Whales seen at 18.30 this evening approx 5k off shore heading West.
One Whale looked a little smaller than the other with a much straighter dorsal.
The Whales seemed to be harased by a creel boat, that seemed to head for their location each time they surfaced.
I hope this was not the case, but i must say i did see this skipper change direction some years ago and run down a whale that was tail slapping.
On that occasion it was very blatant.
Without video evidence it's very hard to bring a prosecution.
Cetaceans are a protected species while in UK waters and successful prosecutions have taken place.
So boat operaters be aware of the legal implications when near Cetaceans.
Colin