Whale washes ashore in Marshfield
The Patriot Ledger|David R. Smith|Jan 2, 2025
Five large beached whales have died recently along shores between Weymouth and Plymouth, according to Regina Asmutis-Silvia, executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation USA. Since January 2016, a rising number of humpback whale deaths have occurred along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Five large beached whales have died recently along shores between Weymouth and Plymouth, according to Regina Asmutis-Silvia, executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation USA. Since January 2016, a rising number of humpback whale deaths have occurred along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
A small whale washed ashore on Rexhame Beach in Marshfield on Thursday morning.
The latest story:What killed the whale that washed up on a Marshfield beach this week? What an expert says
It is among of growing number of whales that have been found dead along the South Shore and Cape Cod coast in recent weeks.
The Patriot Ledger reached out to the nonprofit organization Whale and Dolphin Conservation USA to confirm the animal's age and species.
In addition to the Marshfield whale, a dead whale washed up on Bayside Beach in Plymouth on Dec. 9. In Brewster, the carcass of another humpback whale washed ashore on the beach between Crosby Landing Beach and Linnell Landing Beach the weekend of Dec. 14-15.
Five large beached whales have died …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]A small whale washed ashore on Rexhame Beach in Marshfield on Thursday morning.
The latest story:What killed the whale that washed up on a Marshfield beach this week? What an expert says
It is among of growing number of whales that have been found dead along the South Shore and Cape Cod coast in recent weeks.
The Patriot Ledger reached out to the nonprofit organization Whale and Dolphin Conservation USA to confirm the animal's age and species.
In addition to the Marshfield whale, a dead whale washed up on Bayside Beach in Plymouth on Dec. 9. In Brewster, the carcass of another humpback whale washed ashore on the beach between Crosby Landing Beach and Linnell Landing Beach the weekend of Dec. 14-15.
Five large beached whales have died recently along shores between Weymouth and Plymouth, according to Regina Asmutis-Silvia, executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation USA.
Since January 2016, a rising number of humpback whale deaths have occurred along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Some people assume that whale deaths are automatically associated with accidental vessel strikes or fishing rope entanglement, said Asmutis-Silvia. But whales suffer from other health problems like viruses and bacterial infections that can contribute to death, she said.
Necropsies (animal autopsies) are performed on the whales when possible, and results from those can take up to 12 weeks to come back.
Preparation for necropsies usually includes attaching an anchor to the base of the whale’s tail to ensure the whale stays in place on the beach during the tide changes, according to Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
Anyone who comes across a marine mammal from Weymouth to Plymouth that is either in distress or deceased can call Whale and Dolphin Conservation's hotline at 617-688-6872.
In addition to calling the hotline, the organization asks that anyone who encounters such incidents stay at least 150 feet away from the animal, note the location and take photos if possible.