the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Seaside Park NJ, Stranding Network members from The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, New York Marine Rescue Center, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources completed a necropsy today, 3/3/2023 in Seaside Park, NJ, to determine the cause of death of the 30ft humpback whale that was first seen on March 1. Although the animal was fairly decomposed, teams were able to determine that she was a female, in good body condition, and document several internal and external injuries. These include bruising on the head, sections of fractured skull, and sharp force trauma consistent with propeller wounds on the right lateral side. Evidence of previous entanglement scars were also documented. The necropsy team obtained samples from the wound sites, as well as other parts of the whale, that will be sent out for further testing to determine if the injuries were sustained pre or post mortem. Full results may not be available for many weeks. Following the necropsy, the whale was buried on the beach. The Seaside Park Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, NJ State Park Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Officials, Seaside Heights Officials, NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement and Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office Staff, NJ Department of Environmental Projection, and Monmouth County Department of Public Works were all on scene or assisting with the response. We are thankful for the tireless efforts of our stranding network and local partners, and their dedication towards these animals.

Continue reading Whales and Dolphins Continue to Wash Up on the Jersey Coastline