A minke whale named Snowy has visited Scotland’s west coast for almost 30 years, new research has revealed.
A digital catalogue, published by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, shows that more than 300 individual minke whales have been identified in the Hebrides since 1990 — showing the area’s importance for the species. A third have been seen more than once, some over many years, multiple times.
Minke whales travel to western Scotland’s seas every summer to feed in its rich waters. Snowy has visited the region over a 27-year period, the longest known history of sightings for this species in Europe.
Another whale, known as Knobble, holds the title for the most frequently recorded minke whale in the Hebrides, having been spotted more than 60 times since 2002, mostly in waters around the Isle of Mull.
The research brings together photographic identification records submitted by members of the public over three decades. The catalogue will help researchers build a long-term picture about the whale numbers, range and behaviour and how to protect them.
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“Photographs are a powerful tool for strengthening our understanding of whale movements and the threats they face — providing vital evidence for effective conservation,” said Dr Lauren Hartny-Mills, the trust’s science and conservation manager.
“This catalogue of identifiable whales is testament to the dedicated community of citizen scientists who diligently submit their sightings and photographs to us. Thanks to so many people over 30 years, we know our seas are world-class habitats which need to be better protected and restored.”
Researchers analysed the photographs submitted by the public to look for specific markings or features to identify specific individual whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks seen in the region.
The data has also revealed threats to the mammals from human activities, including climate change, pollution and habitat degradation.
Scars and injuries revealed that more than a fifth of minke whales have at some point been entangled in marine litter and fishing gear, which can cause mobility problems, injury and even death.
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The trust’s marine scientists are carrying out further in-depth analysis of the findings to better understand the minke whales’ continued return to the Hebrides and to identify any specific areas of importance.
