A dead minke whale was spotted on Long Island Beach on Wednesday, July 8. Experts from the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation are conducting investigations about the possible cause of death of the marine animal.
The presence of the whale that is approximately 2,000 pounds in weight and 12 feet in length at the Robert Moses State Park spooked the swimmers, with some of them hesitating to go into the water again.
"We received a call from New York State parks last night that the animal was in the surf," said Rob DiGiovanni of the Riverhead Foundation. "We have some predation. It looks like some shark bites on the animal." Whether the bites were sustained before or after the whale died remains unconfirmed, he added.
To determine the exact cause of death, a necropsy procedure is currently in process. According to DiGiovanni, there is some proof of scavenging. Although it seems as if the act was attempted after the whale's death, further investigations are lined up, and samples have been obtained to also look at the possibility of scavenging prior to its death. Other potential reasons for the fatal event include ship strike or disease.
Minke whales are common in the waters of Long Island; however, the marine creatures are very difficult to spot because of their significantly smaller size and rapid movement when surfacing from the water.
Since January, six whales have already been washed up from Coney Island to West Hampton, says Riverhead Foundation members. Four of these whales appear to have been struck by ships; however, further investigations are required to confirm the details of the events.
According to DiGiovanni, there are many other factors that may be involved in these recent happenings, namely disease or simply the increase in the population of the whales.
Although experts are used to seeing one to two cases over a period of a few years compared to the recent reports of one to two every year, experts say this is not a cause of alarm. Nonetheless, DiGiovanni says they aim to discover what is truly happening. He recalls a similar surge of events in 2001, where almost the same number of animals were washed up over a similar duration. At that time, the occurrence just stopped.
Concession stand workers exhibited mixed reactions.
"I don't want to go in that water. I will never go in it again," said Kristin Glabich.
Robert Moses will now think twice before wading in the water, while Dominic Zavlo is not worried since lifeguards are constantly on the lookout.
Marine biology experts advise beachgoers and swimmers to stay vigilant. DiGiovanni reminds everyone that these animals are protected and that it is illegal to come any closer than 50 yards. Those who will encounter dangerous marine animals are instructed to call the lifeguards or communicate with the local police.
Photo: Len2040 | Flickr
