Tánaiste orders Department to assist with investigation into beaked whale deaths
Since the beginning of August, a minimum of 19 Cuvier’s beaked whales washed up dead on the Irish coast.
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Since the beginning of August, a minimum of 19 Cuvier’s beaked whales washed up dead on the Irish coast.
During the same period at least 13 were found in Scotland and two in Iceland.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group believes that sonar has played a role in the recent strandings.
About 175 whale and dolphin strandings have been reported so far this year.
Dr Simon Berrow from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group called the figures “unprecedented”.
This is the highest number at this stage of the year since records began.
Marine enthusiasts say rising numbers of dolphins appear to be drowning after getting caught in fishing nets off the northwest coast.
One sea lion pup even turned up seven miles inland at a mobile phone shop.