Scottish Pod Of Killer Whales Spotted Off Ireland

Wednesday, January 13, 2010
SCOTLAND - A pod of killer whales, which inhabits the waters off the west coast, were sighted as far away as Ireland in the past two months.

The nine-strong group, identified by markings on their dorsal fins, was seen off the Cork coast, according to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT).

The trust and Aberdeen University PhD student Andy Foote have been studying the whales to learn more about their habits.

The pod’s conservation status is regarded as critical as no live calves have been sighted since research began two decades ago.

Mr Foote’s research into orca populations in the north-east Atlantic has also shown that the Hebridean pod does not associate with others found around the coasts of Orkney and Shetland.

There is also little evidence of what the Hebridean group feeds on, although Mr Foote has established that tooth wear in this group is much less than adults in other groups, suggesting a difference in diet.

HWDT chairman Maxwell MacLeod said: “I find it really alarming that no youngsters have been seen for such a long time.

“It is vital that we maintain this research as we know so little about the role these animals play in our ecosystem.”

Source: The Press and Journal