LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Following the discovery of a deceased humpback whale on the shores of Long Beach Island, a post-mortem examination revealed the presence of multiple blunt force injuries, including a fractured skull and vertebrae. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center conducted a necropsy on the nearly 25-foot juvenile male whale, uncovering bruising around the head, fractures of the skull and cervical vertebrae, dislocated ribs, and a dislocated shoulder bone.
Director Sheila Dean highlighted that these injuries suggest blunt force trauma, but emphasized the need for further testing as part of the necropsy, with tissue samples being sent to labs nationwide. The cause of death remains a topic of intense interest, particularly amid concerns over the potential impact of offshore wind power preparations on whale populations along the U.S. East Coast.
While some opponents of offshore wind power have raised alarms regarding these projects’ effects on whales, scientific agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Marine Mammal Commission, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection have stated that there is no concrete evidence linking offshore wind preparations to whale deaths. NOAA reported a total of 16 large whale deaths on the East Coast in 2024, with various species affected in different locations.
In response to the whale death, Leading Light Wind, one of the wind farms proposed off the New Jersey coast, issued a statement urging the public to avoid misinformation campaigns and noting that previous whale deaths were often linked to vessel strikes or entanglement with fishing gear. Despite these assertions, skepticism remains among groups like Protect Our Coast NJ, who question the official explanations for the whale deaths, drawing parallels to doubts surrounding COVID-19 pandemic information.
Leading Light Wind stated its commitment to constructing the wind project with minimal impact on wildlife and the marine environment, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement with stakeholders and investment in monitoring and mitigation efforts. The necropsy of the deceased whale also revealed signs of past entanglement with fishing gear, underscoring the ongoing threats faced by marine mammals in the region.
The findings from the necropsy shed light on the challenges faced by whale populations along the East Coast and highlight the complexities of balancing renewable energy development with wildlife conservation efforts. As investigations continue into the factors contributing to whale deaths, stakeholders emphasize the need for comprehensive data analysis and collaboration to address these pressing environmental concerns.