A dead humpback whale washed ashore Tuesday, Feb. 14 in Manasquan. This is the ninth dead whale that has washed ashore in the New York/New Jersey region since Dec. 5, 2022.
Necropsy teams from Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) conducted an initial exam on the beach, then the whale was moved to a Monmouth County facility where a necropsy was conducted. The remains were disposed of in the county landfill.
The whale was an approximately 35-foot-long female. It was identified by Gotham Whale as NYC 0298 and was first seen feeding in the area on Jan. 7. This was the first and only time this whale was documented. The animal was in a state of advanced decomposition, which limited the necropsy. However, tissue samples were taken and will be sent out for analysis.
The whale was in good body condition, and there were no obvious signs of external trauma. However, the internal examination showed evidence of vessel strike. Marine experts say there is not always obvious external evidence of vessel strikes, which is why internal exams are important. The results of the tissue analysis will help determine if the vessel strike occurred before or after death.
There are currently active Seasonal Management Areas off all major ports in the mid-Atlantic region, including the ports of New York and New Jersey, which are in effect through April 30. All vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots or less in these areas. Additionally, there are currently three active voluntary SLOW Zones in effect from Nantucket to Chesapeake Bay. MMSC advises that maintaining speeds of 10 knots or less can help protect all large whales from vessel collisions.
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