Dead whale washes up on Balmedie Beach after becoming entangled in fishing ropes

The public is being warned to stay away from the remains of a whale which washed up on a beach 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 has urged visitors to the section of the popular beach to stay away from the remains.

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: “We are aware of the whale carcase and our teams continue to assess the most appropriate course of action.

“We would advise all visitors to this particular section of Balmedie Beach to stay away from the remains meantime and to ensure all dogs are kept on a lead.”