2nd Humpback Whale Found Dead In Suffolk In 2 Days

SHIRLEY, NY — A second humpback whale was found dead in Suffolk County within two days, officials said.

According to the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, three whale strandings were reported over the past two days — including one at Smith Point County Park Saturday and one off the coast of Montauk Friday.

The whale at Smith Point was reported by the operator of private vessel who called the NYS Stranding Hotline at around 2 p.m; as of 5:15 p.m., the whale had washed ashore, AMSEAS said. Officials took samples from the whale was a 27.5-foot female that showed it had been eating recently.

Trauma to the tissues examined around the animal's head were consistent with a vessel strike; the samples will be sent to a pathologist to help determine a cause of death, AMSEAS said.

The animal was buried on the beach late Saturday night.

AMSEAS worked with Suffolk County Parks, the Suffolk County Department of Public Works, Fire Island National Seashore, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries in the response.

The day before, a deceased humpback whale floating approximately 4.5 miles offshore near Montauk was given a location tag to track the carcass’ movements as ocean conditions would have made towing it to shore a lengthy and difficult process, officials said.

The third instance involved the sighting of an unknown whale near Rockaway that looked as if it might possibly be in need of help; AMSEAS is monitoring the report should the animal be sighted again or strand, officials said.

“By working together, we’re able to organize our response efforts quickly and efficiently,” said AMSEAS chief scientist Rob DiGiovanni. “We strive to understand what impacts these whales so we can promote marine conservation through action. We want to thank all who have helped us in addressing these issues, including fellow conservation organizations, local municipalities, the state and federal government, volunteers, and the public. It is truly a collaborative effort.”

A total of 17 marine mammal and sea turtle stranding responses have been reported by AMSEAS in July so far. Responses took place across Long Island, from the East End into Queens, and included three dolphins, 11 sea turtles, and the three large whales. By activating the large whale response plan in New York State, AMSEAS and partners said they have been able to quickly organize to respond to the animals, with strandings increasing in recent years.

AMSEAS has responded to seven large whale strandings in 2020, including assisting in the response for the North Atlantic Right Whale in New Jersey. Saturday's response was the fifth humpback whale to strand on Long Island this year. There has been an unusual mortality event (UME) in effect for humpback whales along the Atlantic coast since 2016.

Boaters are encouraged to keep an eye out, maintain a safe distance from the animals, and report sightings to sightings@amseas.org. Strandings should be reported immediately to the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829.