Long Beach Island, New Jersey – A recent post-mortem examination of a whale that washed ashore on New Jersey’s Long Beach Island revealed the animal had sustained severe blunt force injuries, including a fractured skull and vertebrae. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center conducted the examination on a nearly 25-foot juvenile male humpback whale found dead in Long Beach Township, releasing their observations from the necropsy.
Director Sheila Dean noted the whale had bruising around the head, multiple fractures of the skull and cervical vertebrae, dislocated ribs, and a dislocated shoulder bone, all consistent with blunt force trauma. While the cause of these injuries remains under investigation, extensive testing and analysis are ongoing, with tissue samples sent to laboratories across the country.
The whale’s cause of death has sparked widespread interest, particularly in light of an ongoing controversy surrounding offshore wind power projects and their potential impact on whales along the U.S. East Coast. Despite concerns raised by some about the relationship between offshore wind preparation and whale deaths, scientific agencies like NOAA and the Marine Mammal Commission have found no evidence linking the two.
The recent whale death in New Jersey marks the first of the year, following 14 in 2023 according to the stranding center’s website. Groups like Protect Our Coast NJ remain skeptical of official explanations, drawing parallels to skepticism seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Leading Light Wind, a company behind a proposed wind farm off the New Jersey coast, emphasized their commitment to minimizing risks to wildlife and promoting coexistence between the offshore wind industry and marine life.
In addition to the blunt force injuries, the post-mortem examination also revealed evidence of past entanglement with fishing gear. Scars from a previous entanglement were found on various parts of the whale’s body, highlighting the ongoing threats marine life face in their habitats. As investigations continue and stakeholders weigh in on the implications of the whale’s death, the conversation around offshore wind projects and their environmental impact is likely to persist.