A minke whale washed ashore and perished at Portstewart Strand in County Londonderry.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) mentioned that this occurred on Sunday evening.
A representative from the office mentioned that their team had communicated with the National Trust, and evaluations would take place on Monday.
The National Trust has requested that people maintain a safe distance from the carcass as they collaborate with various organizations and specialists to decide on subsequent actions.
“A spokesperson stated, ‘We ask everyone to remain vigilant until this procedure is successfully finished and to adhere to all signs and maintain a secure distance,’” she emphasized.
Dog owners are requested to ensure their pets are leashed and well-managed when walking along the beach.
The spokesperson for the National Trust stated: “Deteriorating marine animals present significant health hazards. They may harbor various illnesses that can be transmitted to both humans and dogs.”
Although minke whales are considered some of the smaller species, they have been found to reach lengths of approximately 35 feet (10 meters) and can weigh as much as 20,000 pounds (9,000 kilograms).
These creatures typically appear in UK waters from July to October and have a lifespan of around 50 years.
There are several causes why whales might approach land, such as injuries, illnesses, harsh weather conditions, or mistakes in navigation that lead them into shallower waters.
