THE future of whale watching in West Cork is under threat from a lack of sprat in local waters, according to a local whale expert. The over-fishing of Sprat, which is a major part of the whale’s diet, is an ‘environmental disaster,’ according to Colin Barnes of Cork Whale Watch. This week Mr Barnes said the numbers of whales being spotted in West Cork were at their lowest since he had started watching in 2000. The little silvery sprats are, without doubt, the favourite prey of all the whales, according to Mr Barnes. ‘It is no mystery either, that there are no sprats about – they were wiped out…
The Southern Star, 01/12/14. Read the full article ‘West Cork’s whale watching under threat‘.
