Exmouth whale find a major scientific discovery

• Rarely seen whale species found on WA beach

• Science to benefit from discovery

A dead whale on an Exmouth beach has proved an exciting discovery for Western Australia.

The whale has been identified as an Omura's whale and is the first record and sighting of this species in WA and only the second nationally.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the dead whale was found in mid-March on a remote beach near the township of Exmouth following Tropical Cyclone Olwyn. 

"This find is highly significant for whale scientists in Western Australia and researchers globally because there have not been many recorded sightings of this species so very little is known about it," Mr Jacob said.

"Omura's whale was only described in scientific journals for the first time in 2003 and is apparently restricted to tropical and subtropical waters.

"The knowledge we gain from this whale will help to improve field identification guides to better understand the whale's regional distribution. Scientists know a fair bit about many whale species but this exciting discovery shows there is still so much more to learn in our oceans."

The specimen was reported after it was observed above the high water mark following the cyclone's storm surge.

But identifying the 5.68 metre juvenile female was difficult for Department of Parks and Wildlife staff. DNA profiling by Parks and Wildlife staff confirmed the animal was an Omura's whale (Balaenoptera omurai), normally found well to the north of Australia in the western Pacific and eastern Indian oceans.

Omura's whales have a streamlined and sleek body shape and several unique skeletal features distinguishing them from other whales, including 53 vertebrae and four digits on each pectoral fin (the third digit is missing).

Its external appearance can lead to confusion and it is often incorrectly identified as a small Fin whale or Bryde's whale.

The carcass has been buried and the skeleton will be recovered in a few years for further scientific investigation and possibly for public display in museums.

       Fact File

• The Omura's whale has previously been recorded in  Indonesian waters, the Philippines and Sea of Japan

• Adult whales grow to about 11.5 metres and females slightly larger

Minister's office - 6552 5800