Long Beach Township, New Jersey – A recent post-mortem examination uncovered shocking findings about a whale that washed ashore on Long Beach Island in New Jersey. The examination revealed that the animal had suffered multiple blunt force injuries, including a fractured skull and vertebrae.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center conducted the necropsy on the nearly 25-foot juvenile male humpback whale, which was discovered dead in Long Beach Township. Sheila Dean, the center’s director, reported that the whale exhibited bruising around the head, fractures of the skull and cervical vertebrae, dislocated ribs, and a dislocated shoulder bone. These injuries, according to Dean, indicate blunt force trauma.
While the exact cause of the injuries has yet to be determined, the findings are significant amidst a controversial issue involving offshore wind power. Some groups have expressed concerns that preparation work for offshore wind projects may harm or cause the deaths of whales along the East Coast of the United States. However, various scientific agencies, including NOAA and the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, have refuted these claims, citing lack of evidence.
Data from NOAA reveals that there have been 16 large whale deaths on the East Coast in 2024, with a variety of species affected. The recent whale death in New Jersey marks the first of the year for the state, following a total of 14 in 2023. Despite the ongoing debate surrounding offshore wind farms, proponents emphasize the importance of minimizing risks to wildlife while pursuing renewable energy sources.
In response to the situation, Leading Light Wind, a proposed wind farm off the New Jersey coast, released a statement urging vigilance against misinformation campaigns. The project leaders underscored their commitment to environmental conservation and highlighted previous whale deaths attributed to vessel strikes or entanglement in fishing gear.
In addition to the recent injuries, the post-mortem examination revealed evidence of past entanglement with fishing gear on the whale. Scars from a previous entanglement were found around the tail area and pectoral flipper, indicating ongoing challenges faced by marine wildlife. As further investigations and tests are conducted, the implications of these findings on marine conservation efforts remain a focal point of discussion in the region.