Dead Whale Buried On Long Island Beach

An animal rescue group has buried a dead whale, which was discovered on a Long Island Beach last week. Although the whale was in an advanced stage of decomposition, a necropsy revealed it was killed by blunt force trauma. Officials believe the endangered whale was struck by a vessel.

Witnesses noted that the 58-foot whale had several large bite marks along its belly. However, it was likely bitten after it died. Biologist Kimberly Durham said the dead whale was probably bitten by sharks, which are often “attracted to whale carcasses.”

As discussed by Sea Shepherd, fin whales are the “second largest living animal on earth.” Reaching lengths of 85 feet, and weighing up to 80 tons, fin whales usually stay in deeper offshore waters.

However, researchers have noted an increase in the number of dolphins, seals, sharks, and whales, in coastal waters. As reported by the Guardian, the influx is likely tied to conservation efforts, which have increased water quality in the Hudson River.

The increase in nutrients attracts plankton — which is a primary source of food for baleen whales. Although clean water is generally beneficial for the ecosystem, coastal waters can be dangerous for larger whales.

Rob DiGiovanni, director of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, said the number of whales killed by ships continues to increase. Historically, the region would see one vessel strike every “couple of years.” This year alone, at least four large whales were killed by ships along the East Coast.

The dead whale discovered on Smith Point County Park beach is the second fin whale killed by a vessel this year. In May, another fin whale was struck by a Norwegian Cruise Ship. As reported by New York Observer, the whale was then dragged through the Hudson River.

Although fin whales are the most likely species to be killed by vessel strikes, blunt force trauma is not their only threat. Fin whales remain an endangered species due to commercial whaling, habitat degradation, and overfishing.

The Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team is actively working toward reducing “serious injury and mortality” in all larger whales — including humpback, minke, right, and fin whales. Additionally, Sea Shepherd is working to halt commercial whaling.

As the dead whale on Long Island Beach is now laid to rest, conservation groups are tasked with protecting large whales — which are increasingly attracted to coastal waters. NOAA has focused on raising awareness among mariners.

[Image via NY Daily News]