LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, N.J. – An examination of a humpback whale that washed ashore in Long Beach Island revealed shocking findings of severe blunt force injuries, including a fractured skull and vertebrae. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center conducted a necropsy on the nearly 25-foot juvenile whale, which had been discovered lifeless in Long Beach Township.
Director Sheila Dean reported that the whale displayed significant bruising around the head, multiple fractures in the skull and cervical vertebrae, dislocated ribs, and a dislocated shoulder bone. These injuries, as stated by Dean, are indicative of blunt force trauma, although the exact cause remains unknown pending further testing and analysis.
The cause of death of this juvenile humpback whale has sparked great interest, particularly in the context of concerns surrounding offshore wind power projects and their potential impact on marine life. However, according to various scientific agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Marine Mammal Commission, there is currently no evidence linking offshore wind preparation to whale deaths.
While NOAA did not provide updated death totals at the time, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center noted that this was New Jersey’s first whale death of the year, following 14 in 2023. Addressing these concerns, Leading Light Wind, a wind farm proposed off the New Jersey coast, emphasized the importance of considering multiple factors contributing to whale deaths, such as vessel strikes and entanglement with fishing gear.
In light of the recent findings, Protect Our Coast NJ expressed skepticism regarding official statements on whale deaths, drawing parallels to past instances of distrust in official information, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these concerns, Leading Light Wind affirmed its commitment to minimizing environmental risks and investing in monitoring and mitigation efforts to support a healthy marine ecosystem.
The post-mortem examination also revealed previous evidence of entanglement with fishing gear on the whale, despite none being present when it washed ashore. Scarring from a prior entanglement incident was evident on various parts of the whale’s body, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by marine life in the region. As investigations continue, stakeholders are urged to prioritize conservation efforts and responsible development practices to safeguard marine biodiversity.