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. 

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

Biology: Marine Creatures: Pilot Whales

There are a pod of about 60 whales in Loch Carnan, Uist at the moment.  You can catch up with the story here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-13466462
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-13483100
In pictures:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-13469173


Extracts:

Pilot whales normally prefer deep water but come inshore in search of squid, which is their main food source.

Last week a pilot whale died after getting stuck in the Sullom Voe in Shetland.

Sick and injured whales are thought to beach themselves to die.

However, at times, dying whales have been followed to shore by healthy animals.

Conservationists have also suggested the whales may have got lost.

In October a pod of pilot whales were in danger in the same sea loch.

Days later, 33 whales, thought to be the same group, were discovered dead on a beach in County Donegal.

Pilot whales can grow up to about 20ft (6.1m) and are among the most common marine mammals.


How to save a beached whale

British Divers Marine Life Rescue is an organisation dedicated to the rescue and well being of all marine animals in distress around the UK.   Read more here   http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/

RESCUE HOTLINE: 01825 765546 (out of hours: 07787 433412)
What to do if you find a live stranded marine mammal

Please note the place, the state of the tide and any injuries you can see without getting close and call 01825 765546 during office hours, or call 07787 433412 out of hours (NB: this number does not receive texts). We will then advise you on what to do and will get one of our trained medics out as soon as possible. More information »