LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, N.J. – In a post-mortem examination of a whale discovered on New Jersey’s Long Beach Island, investigators found significant blunt force injuries, including a fractured skull and vertebrae. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center conducted the examination on a nearly 25-foot juvenile male humpback whale that was found deceased in Long Beach Township.
According to Sheila Dean, director of the center, the whale exhibited bruising around the head, multiple fractures of the skull and cervical vertebrae, as well as dislocated ribs and shoulder bone. These injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma, indicating a significant impact on the animal’s body.
Dean refrained from attributing the injuries to a specific cause, highlighting that further testing, including tissue samples sent to laboratories across the country, is necessary. The post-mortem examination’s findings have garnered interest due to an ongoing controversy surrounding offshore wind power and its potential impact on marine wildlife, specifically whales along the U.S. East Coast.
Scientific agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Marine Mammal Commission, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, have stated that there is no evidence linking offshore wind preparation to whale deaths. Despite this, skepticism persists among some groups, questioning the official information provided.
The examination also revealed evidence of the whale’s past entanglement with fishing gear, although none was present at the time of stranding. Scars from a previous entanglement were visible on various parts of the whale’s body, indicating prior encounters with fishing gear.
As the investigation continues to unfold, stakeholders in the offshore wind industry emphasize the importance of minimizing impacts on marine life. Leading Light Wind, a proposed wind farm off the New Jersey coast, asserts its commitment to building the project in a manner that safeguards wildlife. Initiatives focusing on monitoring and mitigation aim to ensure the coexistence of the offshore wind industry and a healthy marine environment.
The findings of the post-mortem examination shed light on the challenges faced by marine mammals in the region and fuel ongoing discussions regarding conservation measures and sustainable practices. As researchers delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the whale’s injuries, the need for collaborative efforts to protect marine wildlife becomes increasingly apparent.