Public encouraged to report stranded marine mammals
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ – A massive fin whale that washed ashore Friday on a Barnegat Light beach was likely struck by a vessel, according to preliminary findings from a necropsy performed by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and Cornell University.
The young male whale, measuring 51 feet 1.5 inches and weighing an estimated 25 tons, showed clear signs of blunt force trauma to the left side of its body. Experts say the injuries are consistent with a vessel strike, a leading cause of death among large whales along the East Coast.
During Saturday’s necropsy, scientists also discovered evidence of a prior entanglement at the base of the whale’s tail, suggesting the animal had previously encountered fishing gear or marine debris. After the examination, the whale was buried on the beach ahead of an approaching coastal storm.
Biologists collected tissue and organ samples for further histopathologic analysis, which will help determine whether the whale’s injuries occurred before or after death. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said the results will be published on its current cetacean data page once testing is complete.
Endangered fin whale marks 35th case since 1978
Fin whales are an endangered species and the second-largest whale species in the world, surpassed only by the blue whale. Adults can reach up to 80 feet in length and weigh as much as 80 tons. Since 1978, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center has responded to 35 fin whale strandings across New Jersey’s coastline.
Officials thanked the Borough of Barnegat Light, T & K Marine Construction, New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Conservation Officers, Cornell University, and MMSC’s necropsy volunteers for assisting in the recovery and examination process.
- Young male fin whale measured 51 feet, weighed 25 tons
- Necropsy showed trauma consistent with vessel strike
- Samples sent for analysis to determine timing of injuries
