LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, New Jersey – A juvenile male humpback whale found dead on Long Beach Island in New Jersey has sparked concern after a post-mortem examination revealed multiple blunt force injuries, including a fractured skull and vertebrae. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center conducted a necropsy on the nearly 25-foot whale, uncovering bruising around the head, fractures in the skull and cervical vertebrae, dislocated ribs, and a dislocated shoulder bone, all consistent with blunt force trauma.
Sheila Dean, the center’s director, mentioned that the cause of the injuries remains unknown, highlighting the need for further testing and analysis to determine the exact circumstances that led to the whale’s death. The incident has drawn attention due to ongoing debates over the impact of offshore wind power projects on whales along the U.S. East Coast.
Despite claims by opponents of offshore wind power projects linking them to whale deaths, scientific agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management have denied any evidence supporting this connection. The controversy surrounding the cause of the whale’s death has prompted discussions among various groups with opposing views on offshore wind developments.
Amidst the debate, Protect Our Coast NJ, a group opposed to offshore wind projects, expressed skepticism towards official statements regarding the whale deaths, drawing parallels to distrust seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Leading Light Wind, the company behind one of the proposed wind farms off the New Jersey coast, emphasized their commitment to minimizing risks to wildlife and ensuring responsible construction practices.
The necropsy also revealed evidence of past entanglement with fishing gear on the whale, indicating historical challenges faced by marine life in the area. The findings serve as a reminder of the complex interactions between human activities and marine ecosystems, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and sustainable practices in coastal regions like New Jersey. As the investigation into the whale’s death continues, the incident underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and research to safeguard marine biodiversity in the face of environmental challenges.