Humpback whale spends Christmas in the Shannon Estuary

A humpback whale that travelled up the Shannon Estuary in late November likes it so much that it decided to stay for Christmas.

Clare Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) say it is the first case of a humpback whale in the estuary.

A post on their Facebook page on Saturday said: "The humpback whale continues to thrive in the Shannon Estuary. It has been seen around the Shannonferry Group Ltd crossing between Killimer, Co Clare and Tarbert, Co Kerry the last few days.

"This afternoon it was seen breaching many times between Moneypoint Power Station and the ferry. Plenty of people saw it from land and captured their own fantastic images."

The stunning images above and below of the mammal having a whale of a time were taken by Simon Berrow and shared on Facebook.

The species of mammal, which range in length from 46 to 56 ft and weigh up to 40 metric tonnes, is known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors, making it popular with whale watchers.

Clare IWDG say have expressed concerns over a ship strike and said “we need to exercise care”.

They say they have reached out to the Harbour Master at Shannon Foynes Port Company regarding the new arrival, first reported to the IWDG on November 28.

“The Shannon is a high-density maritime traffic area, so the whale is at increased risk of a ship strike,” they say in a post on their Facebook page.

“We hope a temporary marine notice could be issued to avoid any issues regarding a ship strike by asking ships to slow down between Loop Head and Kerry Head to Tarbert Lighthouse. Ten knots is usually the recommended maximum speed in high risk areas, however this does not eliminate the risk,” it continues.

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The group asks ships to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for the whale during daylight hours in the Shannon Estuary. 

“If they do see the humpback whale, we would ask them to attempt avoiding the animal by slowing down and / or manoeuvring out of its way, if this can be done safely.

“When they do encounter the humpback whale, or any whale, we would encourage them to report the sighting for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group so we can keep an eye on its movements. Reports can be made here.

“Any images of the humpback are always welcomed as we can use those to identify the animal and gather information about age, sex and body condition,” reads the post.

A spokesperson for Shannon Foynes Port Company told the Leader: “We are aware of a humpback whale sighting in late November, and have been in contact with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. 

"Any reported sightings by ships or SFPC personnel will be reported to IWDG. SFPC continues to monitor the situation and will engage with the IWDG as necessary.”