Humpback whale death at Sandy Hook linked to suspected vessel strike, officials say
Sandy Hook, NJ – A young humpback whale that washed ashore at Sandy Hook this week was found to have suffered blunt force trauma consistent with a vessel strike, according to findings released Thursday by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The animal, discovered dead Wednesday, measured more than 35 feet in length and weighed an estimated 17 tons.
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The necropsy, conducted with assistance from the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and MERR Institute, confirmed the whale was a juvenile female in otherwise good physical condition. Officials said the examination revealed clear signs of trauma along the animal’s body.
In a statement, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said, “On Thursday April 2nd the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, with the assistance of stranding network partners Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and MERR Institute, conducted a necropsy (animal autopsy) on the Humpback whale that washed ashore deceased in Sandy Hook on Wednesday, April 1st.” The agency added, “The whale was confirmed to be a young female measuring 35 feet 1 inch in length, and weighing an estimated 17 tons.”
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Evidence points to vessel strike as cause of death
Preliminary findings identified bruising on the whale’s right dorsal side and head, which officials said is “consistent with suspected vessel strike.” The agency noted the whale had been actively feeding prior to its death, with a full gastrointestinal tract observed during the examination.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center reported, “Preliminary necropsy findings revealed evidence of blunt force trauma, with bruising on the right dorsal side of the body and head, consistent with suspected vessel strike.” The statement also noted, “Evidence of a previous entanglement was also observed, with old scars on the flukes.”
Key Points
- A 35-foot juvenile humpback whale was found dead Wednesday at Sandy Hook
- Necropsy results show blunt force trauma consistent with a vessel strike
- Additional testing will determine whether injuries occurred before or after death
Biologists collected multiple tissue samples during the necropsy, which will undergo further histopathologic testing to determine whether the vessel interaction occurred before or after the whale’s death. Results will be published once available.
Officials said, “Various biological samples were collected and will be sent for further histopathologic analysis.” They added, “The samples collected will help biologists determine if the vessel interaction occurred pre or post mortem.”
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Following the examination, the whale was buried on the beach. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center also acknowledged support from the National Park Service and private contractors, stating, “The Marine Mammal Stranding Center would like to thank the Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area National Park System staff and Blue World Construction, Inc. for their assistance during the recovery and necropsy operations.”
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