Monday, 23 May 2011

Biology - Following the Pilot Whales in Loch Carnan, Uist

Read the full article here:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1389999/Fears-safety-pod-60-whales-confused-high-voltage-cable-seabed.html#ixzz1NBi5d5wY


Extract:

"A pod of 60 whales that have disappeared from a loch in the Outer Hebrides could have lost their way after becoming confused by a high voltage power cable under the sea.

Rescuers said they are looking into the theory that their navigation may have been affected by the magnetic field emitted by the cable that runs from Loch Carnan, where the whales were found, to the mainland.

Last night hopes for the pod were fading especially after two of the pilot whales have already been found dead in South Uist. 

Beached: Marine experts bring ashore a female pilot whale washed up dead in shallow waters off Loch Carnan - her companions have disappeared



Veterinary investigations of the first dead whale found 'potential evidence of an infection' in the animal's melon, a fatty organ found in the forehead.



It also showed external injuries to the whale were not enough to cause its death.

Tests showed the female whale was just coming to an end of a lactation and rescuers said they hoped her young calf would have been fully weaned."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1389999/Fears-safety-pod-60-whales-confused-high-voltage-cable-seabed.html#ixzz1NBi5d5wY


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