LONG BRANCH, NJ – The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is investigating the death of a humpback whale that washed ashore in Long Branch, NJ, on August 12, 2023. The agency says the incident follows a pattern connected to an ongoing unusual mortality event (UME) that began in 2016, rather than to offshore sonar mapping being done by Orsted.
Orsted, a company seeking to build a massive wind farm off the coast of New Jersey, has been conducting offshore sonar mapping in the area. However, MMSC’s statement on Sunday eludes that the recent whale death is unrelated to these activities.
The floating humpback whale carcass was secured with the support of Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS), and local officials are developing plans for a necropsy (animal autopsy).
The examination will include measurements, photographs, and biological samples to understand more about the whale’s physiology and determine the factors contributing to its death.
In a statement released by MMSC, they announced:
“On Saturday, August 12, 2023, Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) was notified of a floating humpback whale carcass washing ashore in Long Branch, NJ. MMSC – with the support of Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) – is working with local officials to secure the animal and develop plans for a necropsy (animal autopsy).
Information gathered through this examination will include measurements, photographs, and biological samples collected to learn more about the whale’s physiology and document any factors that may have contributed to the animal’s death.”
MMSC reminds residents concerned over the increase in whale deaths in the past year that since 2016, NOAA Fisheries has been actively investigating the UME for humpback whales in the North Atlantic. The data from this extensive investigation can be found on NOAA’s website and viewed through an interactive map. For those interested in the process, NOAA also provides frequently asked questions about necropsies on marine mammals.