Rare whale found washed offshore in Honnavar

Mangalore Today News Network

Honnavar, Sept 10, 2023: In a rare incident a huge whale, measuring nearly 50 feet in length, has washed ashore in the Uttara Kannada district, close to Magali village, near a marine protected area. Experts are currently divided in their assessment of its identity, with some suggesting it is a Baleen whale, while others describe it as a Bryde’s whale.

Prakash Mesta, a marine specialist from Honnavar, asserts that it is indeed a Baleen whale, a species that has been sporadically sighted near the Netrani islands. Mesta acknowledges the challenging terrain of the region, making it difficult for people to access the location. He further notes that this area has been designated as an ecologically sensitive region by Coastal Regulation Zone authorities.

Baleen whales are among the largest marine mammals, typically ranging from 10 meters to 102 meters in length, and they are classified as endangered species. Sightings of these whales are rare, especially along the west coast. They are characterized by their large size and possess a filter-feeding system known as baleen in their mouths, which is the source of their name. Baleen whales are renowned for undertaking some of the longest migrations; for instance, a recorded migration in 2011 covered a distance of 22,511 kilometers, originating from Russia.

Dipani Sutaria, a Cetacean biologist and member of the Cetacean Specialist Group IUCN, suggests that the whale discovered in Honnavar measures approximately 46 feet in length and stands over 9 feet in height. She leans towards identifying it as a Bryde’s whale but acknowledges the difficulty in analysis due to its advanced state of decomposition, possibly having been in the water for an extended period. It’s worth noting that all whale species are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Act, making them a legally safeguarded species. However, sightings of Bryde’s whales along the West Coast are relatively infrequent.

Sutaria mentions that there have been 16 reported sightings of Bryde’s whales along the west coast in various locations, with only two of these being live sightings. She also points out the challenge of determining the cause of death for this particular whale.