Dead Humpback Whale Strands on Uninhabited North Sea Island
Wilhelmshaven, Germany – Another deceased whale has found its way to the shores of a North Sea island. This time, it’s a humpback whale that has been reported to have beached on the uninhabited island of Minsener Oog, located southeast of Wangerooge.
Initial Observations and Identification
Initial assessments indicate that the stranded animal is indeed a humpback whale. The National Park Service of Lower Saxony’s Wadden Sea received the report of the dead whale from the Waterways and Shipping Administration.
Confirmation through Aerial Survey
An aerial survey conducted on Thursday provides a clearer view of the whale beached on the island. The survey reveals a black-colored whale lying on the sandy shore.
Access and Investigations
The National Park Service is currently evaluating the feasibility of sending experts to access the site and further investigate the whale’s condition. Due to the isolated location and the island’s status as an uninhabited nature reserve, careful planning is required.
Collaboration with relevant authorities, such as the Waterways and Shipping Administration and the Lower Saxony State Agency for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, will be crucial in determining how to proceed.
Frequency of Whale Strandings in the North Sea
Whale strandings in the North Sea are not uncommon. Just a few days prior to this incident, a 10-15 ton dead sperm whale was discovered off the coast of Sylt and transported to the island’s beach. In early 2016, 30 young sperm whales stranded and died in the North Sea, with two of them ending up on Wangerooge’s shore.
Humpback Whale Characteristics and Distribution
The whale observed in the recent aerial survey is believed to be a humpback whale with a high degree of certainty. This assessment is based on the animal’s rounded mouth and visible white flippers—features characteristic of humpbacks.
In the German Bight, humpback whales are considered relatively rare visitors. However, during the past summer, several sightings of a juvenile humpback whale were recorded in the North Sea, including near the island of Baltrum.
Humpback whales are known to reach lengths of 12 to 15 meters and weigh up to 30 tons. They inhabit polar seas and migrate to tropical waters for calving.
Minsener Oog: A Nature Sanctuary
Minsener Oog, the island where the humpback whale was discovered, is an uninhabited island located west of the Jade estuary and approximately four kilometers from the mainland. Bird protection takes precedence on the island, and public access is restricted.
The island has been part of the Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park since 1986.
Determining the Fate of the Whale
The experts involved will assess the condition of the whale and determine the appropriate course of action. If the whale remains stationary on the island, the National Park Service may not intervene.
However, if the tides shift and the whale becomes mobile, potentially posing a risk to maritime traffic, the Waterways and Shipping Administration will need to make further assessments and decisions.
