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Whale Found Dead on Ship Bow in NJ Port
7 Jan
Summary
- A dead fin whale was discovered on the bow of a container ship in New Jersey.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of death for the endangered marine mammal.
- The whale is estimated to be 25-30 feet long and is a protected species.

A dead fin whale, believed to be endangered, was discovered on the bow of a container ship docked in New Jersey. The U.S. Coast Guard reported the carcass on Sunday at the Gloucester Marine Terminal. Marine mammal experts are now working to remove the whale and determine the cause of its death.
Initial estimates suggest the whale is between 25 to 30 feet long. Fin whales, the second-largest whale species, are protected under federal law. Their populations have been recovering due to conservation efforts following near extinction from hunting.
NOAA has opened an investigation into the whale's demise. The species faces ongoing threats including ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change impacts. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is coordinating the removal and necropsy.




