The badly decomposed carcase of a minke whale came in with the tide and became beached opposite the Empress Hotel.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestries assistant marine wildlife and conservation officer Laura Hanley said: 'Despite the smell, it attracted at lot of interest from passers by.

'The animal remains measured 18 feet in length but as the head section was missing the animal could have been well over 20 feet in length, when alive.'

The discovery was reported to the DAFF at 9.30am by a Department of Transport contractor driving a digger on the beach.

Several sections of the whale's backbone, two ribs and tissue samples were taken by DAFF to help identify the species. Following this, the carcase was removed from the beach by Douglas Corporation.

Miss Hanley said: 'We believe the animal was an adult minke whale but we are consulting with marine mammal experts both on the Island and in the UK for clarification.

'Due to the extent of decomposition, we are unable to determine a cause of death for this individual.

'Large marine animals have several threats, including collisions with motorised boats, entanglement in marine litter and because the oceans are getting noisier and busier from increased levels of shipping, seismic sounds from activities such as oil and gas exploration and coastal developments.'

She said that because underwater noise travels long distances, activities beyond Manx waters can potentially affect the whales.

The minke whale is the most common whale to be seen off the Island and, although they can be seen at any time of year, they are mainly spotted between May and October.

They can grow up to 10 metres in length, weigh between five and 10 tonnes, live up to 50 years and feed primarily on krill – shrimp-like crustaceans.

Miss Hanley explained: 'These generally solitary animals are abundant in the northern hemisphere but are still subject to hunting in some areas.'

All whale and dolphin species in Manx waters are protected under the Isle of Man Wildlife Act and international agreements.

To report dead or stranded marine wildlife in the Isle of Man and for local marine event news, contact either Dr Fiona Gell or Laura Hanley in the DAFF wildlife and conservation office on 843109.

For further information about whale and dolphin species seen around Manx shores please visit the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch website www.mwdw.net