Hebridean Adventures get a Humpback Whale Match!
Humpback whale SCUK040 © Hebridean Adventures, Paul Sharman
HWDT’s Charity Partner, Hebridean Adventures spot the familiar fluke of a humpback whale on their latest wildlife cruise.
Photographs taken by Paul Sharman from their team, confirm that the whale is indeed familiar and it’s a match to a humpback whale spotted and photographed on the 29th May 2020 by their Guide, Muriel Hallé. Muriel initially sighted the whale last May from Tiumpan Head on the Isle of Lewis, one of the popular sites along the Hebridean Whale Trail.
This year, the team re-sighted the whale on Saturday off the east coast of Harris, as they headed back from St Kilda to their base in Stornoway, onboard their vessel the Monadhliath. Paul shared his photographs with Lyndsay Mcneill, on the Scot/UK Humpback ID Facebook group, who confirmed the whale’s identity as SCUK040.
Humpback whale SCUK040 © Hebridean Adventures, Paul Sharman
Hebridean Adventures log all their sightings on Whale Track, helping to contribute to the understanding of these amazing animals. Much of what we know about humpback whales is thanks to reports and photographs sent in by boat operators and members of the public. Understanding the movements of these highly mobile species is important to inform conservation policies and it is amazing to know that anyone can help contribute to this
These reports also provide the opportunity to learn more about the threats and challenges that these animals face. As well as identifying individuals, our team also use community photographs to help monitor the health of animals and keep a record of marks and scars, such as the one that can be seen on this whale’s side.
Humpback whale SCUK040 © Hebridean Adventures, Paul Sharman
Hebridean Adventures latest sighting really highlights how each sighting and photograph adds a new piece to the puzzle. Paul’s photos will also help to improve the chances that this whale will be re-sighted again, as his photograph of the whale’s side and dorsal fin can also be added to the catalogue.
We would like to say a huge thanks to the team at Hebridean Adventures, and the wider Whale Track Community for reporting your sightings and tracking your excursions. It’s a staggering effort and we are so grateful for your support.
Whale Track is supported by the Co-Op Local Community Fund. Please help us to monitor whales and dolphins by raising vital funds for Whale Track whilst you shop. To help, click the link and select Whale Track as your cause.