IFAW leads necropsy investigation for dead North Atlantic right whale

On January 29th, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries reported a deceased, juvenile North Atlantic right whale off the northeast coast of Martha’s Vineyard island in Massachusetts. 

Marine experts with IFAW, including Dr. Sarah Sharp, have been called on-site to the location to lead the investigation of the cause of death of the whale. The team departed early this morning to the site and are currently looking at options to secure the whale to perform a necropsy (animal autopsy).

At this time, the identity and cause of death of this whale are both unknown.

“The deceased whale was found entangled,” said Dr. Sarah Sharp, Animal Rescue Veterinarian, IFAW. “While we don't know the cause of death yet, we know that entanglements can lead to long term suffering and death. We also know that entanglements must be prevented to save this species from extinction.”

“The adoption of on-demand gear keeps right whales swimming and fisherman fishing,” said Kathleen Collins, Senior Campaign Manager, IFAW. “Through the use of this gear, fisherman are able to access fisheries otherwise closed during key times of the year while reducing the risk of entanglement to the right whale.” 

Coordinating in response with IFAW are the following entities: NOAA, the Wampanoag Tribe, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Massachusetts Environmental Police. More help may be called in to assist.

IFAW has fiercely advocated for the adoption of on-demand or “ropeless” fishing gear alongside of our fishermen and gear industry partners. This innovative gear would remove the vertical line buoy from the water column which would drastically reduce the risk of entanglement for the right whale while also keeping fisherman out on the water.

The fishing community in the State of Massachusetts has shown their commitment to saving North Atlantic right whales over many years, in fact, this death comes just three days shy of the annual wide-scale seasonal closure of fishing grounds in Massachusetts state and surrounding federal waters on February 1st.