A gigantic sea creature washed ashore in Wales this week has been identified as a very large fin whale, ranking as the world’s second-largest animal after the blue whale. The whale’s enormous carcass, measuring nearly 70 feet long, was discovered by beachgoers at Ceft Sidan Beach in Pembrey, Carmarthenshire. The female whale displayed a head that was over 16 feet long and 8 feet wide, but due to its advanced decomposition, experts had difficulty confirming its gender.
Marine Environmental Monitoring (MEM) staff examined the whale and were surprised by its size, noting its deteriorated state. Samples were taken from the whale for testing to determine contamination levels and genetics, as its decomposition hindered a clear identification of its sex. This incident marks only the fourth recorded stranding of a fin whale in Wales this century. Known for their slender bodies and distinct dorsal fins, fin whales, also known as “razorbacks,” are protected species.
Conservationists raise concerns about the recovery of fin whale populations from decades of extensive whaling activities. Nearly 750,000 fin whales were killed in the Southern Hemisphere between 1904 and 1979, severely impacting their numbers. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture, and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, confirmed the discovery of the whale and mentioned that samples were sent for analysis at the London Zoological Society as part of standard procedures for rare whale findings.
Due to its large size and remote location on the beach, authorities have decided not to intervene with the natural decomposition process of the whale, which will return nutrients to the environment. The public, especially children and pets, are advised to avoid contact with the whale due to its greasy texture. The whale’s carcass was retrieved for further examination by the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP). MEM urges the public to report any stranded marine animals to CSIP for proper handling and investigation.