Marine Life News Archive - 1997
8 RISSO'S DOLPHINS were off Easting beach, Unst today.
A LEATHERBACK TURTLE was at the head of Sullom Voe today - near the quarry at the side of the road. It is only the 9th live animal recorded in Shetland waters.
A pod of five KILLER WHALES were reported in Stromness Voe, near Weisdale in the early afternoon but they had departed by early evening, and a MINKE WHALE was off Sumburgh Head in the morning.
Jonathan Wills reported four RISSO'S DOLPHINS near Fetlar from the MV Dunter II today.
Jonathan Wills reported good views of a small whale from the wildlife cruise boat Dunter II, apparently a young Minke, for over 10 minutes off the Score Point, at the north end of Bressay at about 10.50am.
Harbour Porpoises have returned in force to the sea area around Bressay and Noss, after only sporadic sightings in recent months. Yesterday [Monday 11th] about a dozen were seen from Jonathan Wills' boat the Dunter II, mostly in pods of two or three individuals, including at least two juveniles.
A HUMPBACK WHALE was off Sumburgh Head during the afternoon.
Jonathan Will reported the following sightings of HARBOUR PORPOISES from the mv Dunter II - 9.30am three in Bressay Sound, 12 noon three in the Voe of Culbinsbrough, Bressay.
A pod of seven KILLER WHALES were off the Noup of Noss, heading south, there was one large bull, two calves and a cow with a distinctive bend in the top of the dorsal fin.
Jonathan Wills reported a school of 8-10 HARBOUR PORPOISES off the South Ness light in Bressay Sound from the mv Dunter II.
Jonathan Wills, aboard the mv Dunter II reported 3 HARBOUR PORPOISES in Bressay Sound at 10.15am today and a pod of 3 KILLER WHALES close in by the Noup of Noss at 11.40am .
Three pods of KILLER WHALES were seen today, a pod of 6 off Sandwick, at least 4 off Mossbank and at least 5 off Eshaness.
Two KILLER WHALES were seen off Hermaness, Unst today.
Two WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS were in Whiteness Voe today.
A few Cetaceans have started to appear around the isles, 4 WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS were in Whiteness Voe today and a pod of at least 3 KILLER WHALES were seen by the coastguard helicopter just north of the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse on Unst.
The SPERM WHALE carcass is still on the rocks at Sand.
A dead SPERM WHALE has washed up onto the rocks alongside the old church on the shoreline at Sand (near Garderhouse), on da west side. It is starting to decompose with no skin left on its body although it is still fairly intact, especially around the tail which is still complete. It is about 40-50 feet in length and has apparently been floating around in the sea in the general area for the last month or so.
Although its just about impossible to tell, it is almost certainly a male as female Sperm Whales never wander far from tropical or subtropical waters, but the males often venture north even into polar waters. In fact all but one of the strandings in this country have been males.
To see it, drive down to the old church and graveyard at Sand and walk along the side of the graveyard heading towards the mouth of the voe (west - away from the beach). It is on the rocks about 100 feet past the graveyard.
Text provided by and copyright Shetland Wildlife, additional recent wildlife sightings welcome.
Original photographs copyright the named photographer.
Copies of photographs by Bill Jackson are available for purchase, email for details.
Trademarks and Copyright of companies and their software is fully acknowledged.
The above records are unchecked reports, not authenticated records, no liability is accepted for the accuracy of this information.