AMSEAS Conducts Necropsy on Humpback Whale on Lido Beach

On Monday, September 30 2019, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society “AMSEAS” received a report of a deceased humpback whale floating approximately 1.5 miles offshore near Jones Beach. AMSEAS worked with US Coast Guard Station Jones Beach. NOAA Fisheries, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and Town of Hempstead to formulate a response plan for when the whale would make it to shore.

Later that day, the 28-foot whale landed on Lido Beach West. The next day, the team returned to work with local officials and organizations to pull the whale out of the surf to conduct the necropsy examination. The animal had a full stomach, but also had some lesions in the stomach and large intestines. A cause of death has not been determined at this time but samples were taken and will be sent to a pathologist for further review. Results may take several months to come back.

We are grateful to have had the support of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Town of Hempstead, Marine Mammal Stranding Center, and City of Long Beach.

The public is encouraged to report injured and deceased marine mammals and sea turtles to the NYS Stranding Hotline by calling 631.369.9829. Sightings of marine wildlife are also helpful and can be shared with AMSEAS by emailing sightings@amseas.org.

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