Latest Dead Whale At Jersey Shore Was Likely Struck By Vessel, Officials Say

BRIGANTINE, NJ — Preliminary results from a necropsy done on the humpback whale that washed up dead in Brigantine last week showed that it was likely struck by a vessel, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

The unconfirmed results show "the whale suffered blunt trauma injuries consistent with those from a vessel strike," the center said in a statement. "Injuries and hemorrhaging were observed on the head and thoracic region, as well as along the right side and the pectoral flipper."

These results will be confirmed through lab analysis in the coming weeks, according to the statement.

The female whale was 32-feet 7-inches long and had been in good condition before its death, the center said, judging by its blubber thickness and stomach full of partially-digested fish.

The whale was added to the study on the humpback whale Unusual Mortality Event that has been happening along the Atlantic since January 2016.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spokesperson Lauren Gaches said, "that period pre-dates offshore wind preparation activities in the region."

"Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the largest known human threats to whales of all species," the center said. "Although there has been speculation about whether these whale deaths are linked to wind energy development, at this point no whale mortality has been attributed to offshore wind activities. We will continue to gather data and go where the science leads us."

The recent whale deaths have sparked concern among conservation groups, who blame offshore wind activities.

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But other environmental groups are cautioning against assigning blame when there has been no official investigation.

"Blaming offshore wind projects on whale mortality without evidence is not only irresponsible but overshadows the very real threats of climate change, plastic pollution, and unsustainable fishery management practices to these animals," said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, New Jersey Director of the Sierra Club.

"Wildlife deaths of any kind concern us and should be fully investigated to prevent further impacts," said Eileen Murphy, PhD., VP Government Relations for NJ Audubon. "And it is important to understand the true cause of these deaths. Erroneous assumptions do not help us to prevent future deaths but lead us to dead ends."

The center urged boaters to go slowly and keep a lookout for whales who are attracted by small fish that also attract stripers.