Famous fins return to Hebridean seas!

We are delighted to report that three of your most-loved minke whales have returned to the Hebrides this month. These sightings highlight how important Hebridean seas are for these wonderful whales who migrate to feed in the rich waters off Scotland’s west coast during the summer months.

With a decrease in the number of sightings reported due to COVID, it was brilliant to see that some of you have been able to get back out on the water in recent weeks to document the return of these famous fins to the Hebrides. We have been thrilled to see your sightings reports and photos starting to flood in through Whale Track once more, and we loved hearing about your sightings of these three well-known whales!

Knobble #FD27

First recorded in 2002, Knobble is one of the most recognisable minke whales seen in the Hebrides.

Now with more than 50 sightings, 2020 marks the 15th year in a row that Knobble has been spotted in Hebridean seas. Often seen in the waters around Mull during July and August, Knobble is a bit of a local celebrity and even has a Facebook page and a song on YouTube!

Andy Tait shared this wonderful photo of Knobble who was spotted on the 15th August at the Cairns of Coll during a Sea Life Surveys wildlife cruise, and again on the 27th August!

Kasey #FD26

Kasey also has a very distinct dorsal fin with three, clearly visible nicks along the trailing edge of the fin.

First photographed in 2000, Kasey is another regular visitor to the Hebrides and has been seen more than 30 times over the last twenty years.

Spotted by Gordon Bruce on Staffa Trips boat Iolaire on the 19th August 2020, Kasey was last seen at Ardnamurchan lighthouse on the 25th August 2018. It is wonderful to see Kasey return to Hebridean seas almost two years to the day since the last sighting! Gordon also saw Kasey back in June 2016!

Snowy #FM02

A favourite with the children who attended last year’s ‘Whale Detectives’ workshops, Snowy has a distinctive white tip on it’s dorsal fin.

It has been five years since Snowy was last seen in the Hebrides, so we are absolutely thrilled to see this whale again!

Snowy was first seen by Narwhal Expeditions off Mallaig on the 19th August, then five days later on the 24th August by Sea Life Surveys near Bloody Bay in the Sound of Mull.

Snowy © Katherine Knight and Eric Holden, Narwhal Expeditions

These recent reports highlight how important sightings data from the community are to track the movements of individual animals year after year. Most of what we know of animals like Knobble and Kasey is thanks to people like Andy, Gordon and the dedicated boat crews operating on the west coast, who log their excursions and submit their photographs on Whale Track.

Over the last 25 years, this information has built an important long-term picture about whale movements on the west coast of Scotland, helping us assess the tendency of individuals to remain or return to particular areas, and through monitoring scars, injuries and parasites also provides valuable evidence about their health and the threats they face. It’s this insight into their lives and their movements, that is vital to inform suitable conservation measures.

Every single sighting is important, and we’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to let us know about what they have seen. It means the world to us!

Have you got photos of whales, dolphins or basking sharks in the Hebrides? We’d love to see them! Reporting is quick and easy through Whale Track, and photos can be added to your sightings through the website or emailed to us at sightings@hwdt.org.

Report your sightings here