On 27 September 2005 a stranded whale was found close to North Arm settlement, half submerged at Beach Park. It was identified as a Gray’s Beaked Whale (also known as the Scamperdown Whale or Southern Beaked Whale), Mesoplodon grayi.

Photo: Paola Palavecino of Falklands Conservation Cetacean Watch beside the stranded whale. Photo Credit: Oliver Yates

Relatively little is known about the beaked group of whales (family Ziphiidae). They are deep diving animals (to over 1000m), and spend little time at the surface. A typical dive lasts a breath holding 45 minutes – 1 hour. They do not move close to shore and are therefore rarely encountered. Distribution is circumpolar within the cool temperate waters of the southern hemisphere. Most strandings are known from New Zealand.

This whale was in poor condition. It measured 5.75m in length. Skin tissue was taken for genetic analysis to confirm the identification. Oli Yates, who runs the Falklands Conservation Cetacean Group said 'The speed with which southern giant petrels devoured the body made on the spot identification difficult.'

More information on Falklands Cetacean Watch