BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ – A 50-foot male fin whale washed ashore Friday afternoon in Barnegat Light, drawing a coordinated response from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and local officials as crews worked against time and weather to recover the enormous carcass ahead of an approaching storm.
The whale was first reported around 1:30 p.m. in the surf near the northern end of Long Beach Island. MMSC’s Stranding Coordinator arrived shortly after and remained on scene until sunset, collaborating with state and municipal agencies to develop a recovery and disposal plan.
Fin whales are the second-largest species on Earth, surpassed only by blue whales. The MMSC confirmed that a necropsy team is being assembled to conduct a full examination by Saturday evening, aiming to determine the animal’s cause of death before Sunday’s forecasted coastal storm complicates the effort.
Scientists plan necropsy before storm impacts coastline
The necropsy is expected to provide valuable information about the whale’s health, feeding habits, and any potential trauma or environmental factors that may have contributed to its death. Experts say findings from such events often aid broader marine research and conservation efforts.
- 50-foot male fin whale discovered dead in Barnegat Light surf
- MMSC coordinating recovery and necropsy before Sunday’s storm
- Examination results will help determine cause of death and collect data
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center will share updates as new information becomes available through its Media Center and official social media accounts.
Investigation underway into Barnegat Light whale stranding
