Many species eaten are of importance to human fisheries but there are currently insufficient data to adequately quantify possible impacts on fisheries. All the animals died shortly afterwards. Samples of stomach contents were obtained from 4 of the Orkney strandings and the Inverness animal. Blubber samples and teeth were removed for analysis of contaminants levels and ageing. All the whales were 20-25 years old.
Food remains from the stomachs consisted entirely of cephalopod beaks.
The oceanic squid Gonatus sp. Sperm whales are rare in the North Sea and sightings or strandings of more than one animal are exceptional. These whales, along with others which were stranded in Belgium, Germany and Holland during the same period, may all have been members of a single group, since young male sperm whales are known to stay and travel together. Possible explanations for the strandings are discussed. For further information contact Graham Pierce or Peter Boyle .