Fubar NewsA whale that died after getting tangled in fishing ropes has been buried the beach it washed up on in Aberdeenshire.
The minke whale, which was spotted on Balmedie Beach on Monday, died after becoming entangled in fishing ropes.
Experts from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme said the adult male is too decomposed to be examined in detail.
Nick Davison MSc, stranding coordinator, explained: “We can tell it’s died due to entanglement. It has ropes wrapped around the head and pectoral fin.
“It also has lesions consistent with entanglement around the tail stock.”
Aberdeenshire Council confirmed due to the location of the whale it has been buried rather than moved.
Minke whales are the most common of the baleen whales seen around Scotland.
They feed mainly in shallower water and are commonly seen in the strong currents around headlands and small islands where they can come close to land, even entering estuaries, bays and inlets.
As they are a highly mobile species feeding with rapid bursts of speed, minke whales are at risk of collision with boats, entanglement in creel ropes and accidental bycatch in fishing nets.
A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council said: “The service has advised me that due to the location of the whale carcase at Balmedie and issues with access, the decision was made to bury the whale on the beach and that has now been completed.”
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