NOAA Searching For Whale Tags That Could Wash Ashore Along MA Coast

MASSACHUSETTS — Whale watching is taking on a different tone along the Massachusetts coast this week as researchers are asking the public to look not for the animals, but for their tags.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is asking the public to help search for two whale tags that were lost in local waters.

Sanctuary researchers use the tags to study large whales and, in the case of these two missing tags, were studying sei whales in local waters earlier this month.

"The approximately 6-inch-long units looks like a toy bug, with suction cup feet and antennae located on its 'head,'" officials said.

These tags could wash ashore anywhere along the Massachusetts coast, researchers said.

If found, residents can use the contact information on the unit or email stellwagen@noaa.gov.