Rare whale washes up dead on West Marin beach, Ca.

By Mark Prado

Marin Independent Journalmarinij.com

06/25/2012

A federally endangered fin whale washed up dead on a West Marin beach after apparently being struck by a ship, officials said Monday.

The 47-foot-long whale was first spotted Thursday in a remote area south of Wildcat Beach in the Point Reyes National Seashore. Biologists attempted to try to identify the animal, but heavy surf and the whale’s position made it too difficult.

A hiker gets a close look at a dead fin whale washed up on a beach along the Point Reyes National Seashore on June 21, 2012. The 47-foot whale was killed after having contact with a ship. (Photo provided by National Park Service)

The team returned Friday and was able to identify it as a juvenile male fin whale. The team concluded the whale had been killed after being hit by a ship. Injuries to the spine, ribs and other skeletal elements and tissues were extensive.

“This is another dramatic example of negative human impact on marine mammals,” said Dr. Frances Gulland, senior scientist at the Marine Mammal Center in the Marin Headlands. “The spine of this whale was completely fractured as a result of a ship strike and it is very sad that this animal’s life came to an end in this manner.”

Tissue samples have been taken from the animal for study, but there are no plans to salvage its bones. The tide is expected to take the carcass back out to sea.

“We will let nature take its course,” said John Dell’Osso, spokesman for the seashore. The whale previously had been seen during a research trip by researchers from PRBO Conservation Science, as well by researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones National marine sanctuaries. … continue … marinij.com

Fair Use: Educational