Entangled Whale Rescue - Global
Veterinary medicine and drone technology can help free whales trapped in fishing geardead humpback whale in Provincetown, MA
dead humpback whale in Provincetown, MA
November 23, 2021
IFAW team members examine a dead humpback whale during necropsy. Photo: Andrea Spence / © IFAW, Activities conducted under a federal stranding agreement between IFAW and NMFS under the MMPA
(Provincetown, MA – November 23, 2021) – We received a report of a dead whale in Provincetown Harbor, near Long Point Lighthouse, and the Center for Coastal Studies was able to confirm the presence of a fresh dead humpback. It was in a remote area, below the high tide line, and was almost fully submerged at high tide. After identifying the best weather and tide window, IFAW deployed a small team of six to perform a necropsy (animal autopsy) on Tuesday morning, 23 November, at 6 AM.
- The whale was a sub-adult humpback, sex not yet determined, length of 905cm (or just under 30 feet).
- Significant findings from the necropsy were chronic entanglement and emaciation.
- Tremendous thanks to the Provincetown Harbormaster for helping us get out to this remote location and to the Center for Coastal Studies for their support.
- The Center for Coastal Studies is currently working to identify the animal. It was, however last sighted alive on 20 November off Race Point, Provincetown.
- We are sending samples from the necropsy out for further analysis.
- The carcass will remain on the beach to decompose naturally.
- PHOTOS. Photo attribution as follows: Photo: Andrea Spence / © IFAW, Activities conducted under a federal stranding agreement between IFAW and NMFS under the MMPA
Quote from Misty Niemeyer, stranding coordinator for IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue & Research team:
“It was certainly a cold and choppy morning to be out there, but we took a small team out at low tide (6 AM) to perform the necropsy—an animal autopsy. The team included our animal rescue veterinarian and staff biologists. We found that the whale suffered from a chronic entanglement and emaciation.”
“While we aim to thoroughly examine every whale case that washes up on shore, cases like this one are a strong reminder of how important this work is to determine how we as humans impact these animals.”
To report a live or dead stranded whale, dolphin or seal on Cape Cod or across southeastern MA, call or text IFAW’s 24/7 Stranding Hotline at (508) 743-9548.
Press contact:
Stacey Hedman, Communications Manager
+1 (508) 737 2558
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