Harbormaster Mark Souza is working to remove a deceased humpback whale that washed ashore near Preston Beach in Marblehead late yesterday. The female is 41 feet long and weighs 65,000 pounds. Souza says experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association believe the whale is “pre-adult.”
“Right now we’re trying to get the logistics involved in towing it off the beach area,” Souza told the Current. “It’s in a precarious area with all the rocks. We have to follow certain protocols that NOAA puts in place. We can’t just tow it out and let nature takes its course.”
NOAA researchers were on scene this morning “doing their scientific data collection to determine cause of death,” according to Souza.
“It’s very fascinating,” he added. “They take DNA samples to find of if they have any information on the whale’s mother or other relatives. It all goes into a database.”
So far, Souza says it doesn’t look like the animal was mortally wounded or entangled in nets. However, if she was struck by a boat propeller the injury would be on her back, and the whale is currently on its back making it hard to confirm.
CURRENT PHOTO / JARED CHARNEY
Because the whale landed in Marblehead, it is the town’s responsibility to remove. Souza says there are two allowable options.
“You can bury it… but it’s a little too big for that,” he said. “Or you can hire a disposal company. They use the whales for science, fertlizer… nothing goes to waste.”
That is what Souza is investigating now. In talking with other communities that have removed whales, Souza said the cost can run $20,000-$30,000.
He hopes to tow the whale off the beach tomorrow and secure it offshore temporarily while researching removal options, before it starts to smell.
“There’s a pretty good odor down there. We’re lucky we have a pretty good breeze.”
Souza warned people to keep their distance.
“You want to stand clear. It’s a decaying animal which can create some bacteria issues. Respect the animal.”
Souza said there is a lot of whale activity right now, especially in Stellwagen Bank.
“For one to wash up ashore here, it’s a little rare, but it isn’t rare that they’re around.”
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
