Humpback whales experiencing 'unusual mortality event' since 2017
13News Now|Germyah Batey|Dec 30, 2024
The report also showed the whale had no bone fractures, but there was an unusual pooling of blood in the whales’ head. “There was a hemorrhage around the head and shoulders," Doshkov said. "That hemorrhage could either be pre- or post-mortem, but the histopathology could tell us.”
The report also showed the whale had no bone fractures, but there was an unusual pooling of blood in the whales’ head. “There was a hemorrhage around the head and shoulders," Doshkov said. "That hemorrhage could either be pre- or post-mortem, but the histopathology could tell us.”
Evidence collected from the Necropsy of the whale that washed ashore Friday in Kitty Hawk determined it came from the Caribbean Sea.
KITTY HAWK, N.C. — Following the discovery of a humpback whale that washed ashore Friday in Kitty Hawk, experts are noting a concerning trend seen among the species.
Since 2017, humpback whales have been experiencing what marine experts call an "unusual mortality event." Essentially, humpbacks are dying at an alarming rate.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) coined the term after reports of hundreds of humpbacks washing up dead along the East Coast.
Now, marine scientists around the globe are gathering data to determine the cause.
“By labeling it as an unusual mortality event, it …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]Evidence collected from the Necropsy of the whale that washed ashore Friday in Kitty Hawk determined it came from the Caribbean Sea.
KITTY HAWK, N.C. — Following the discovery of a humpback whale that washed ashore Friday in Kitty Hawk, experts are noting a concerning trend seen among the species.
Since 2017, humpback whales have been experiencing what marine experts call an "unusual mortality event." Essentially, humpbacks are dying at an alarming rate.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) coined the term after reports of hundreds of humpbacks washing up dead along the East Coast.
Now, marine scientists around the globe are gathering data to determine the cause.
“By labeling it as an unusual mortality event, it just means there’s a higher level of death than we would typically see,” said Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator Marina Doshkov.
13News Now reported that at least five whales washed ashore in North Carolina or Virginia this year alone.
“Since 2016, we’ve had 240 humpback whale mortalities along the Atlantic seashore,” said Blair Mase, NOAA’s marine mammal stranding network coordinator.
Mase offered one explanation for the spike in whale deaths.
“One of the most consistent culprits of the animals examined has been ship strikes or entanglements,” said Mase.
Evidence collected from the necropsy of the whale that washed ashore in Kitty Hawk determined the animal came from the Caribbean Sea.
The report also showed the whale had no bone fractures, but there was an unusual pooling of blood in the whales’ head.
“There was a hemorrhage around the head and shoulders," Doshkov said. "That hemorrhage could either be pre- or post-mortem, but the histopathology could tell us.”
However, the necropsy will reveal more about what caused the whale's death.
“We’re going to have to wait for test results to come back before we can really tell the cause of death,” said Doshkov.
NOAA officials say vessels of all sizes can contribute to whale deaths. That's why the organization is urging everyone to do their part in protecting humpback whales, by following safe boating speeds.