17/09/2008

Blue Whale Spotted Off Kerry

The world's largest living animal, the blue whale, has made its fist trip to Ireland in what is thought to be island's first validated sighting.

A member of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) claimed to have seen the whale while aboard a fishing vessel searching for albacore tuna on Tuesday off the Kerry coast.

According to the group: "At least one and probably two very large whales approached the MV Atlantic Explorer."

The whales approached within range for a photograph, and at least one of which was later identified as a blue whale.

A spokesman for the IWDG said: "Identification was confirmed by their very pale colouration, unique mottling pattern and the thick muscular column which runs along their back."

According to studies in the North Atlantic by Cornell University, USA, upwards of 50 blue whales pass through Irish offshore waters late Autumn/early winter on what is presumably a southbound migration.

The blue whale is the largest mammal, possibly the largest animal, to ever inhabit the earth, growing up to 110ft in length, and weighing as much as 181 tonnes.

(DW/JM)

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