AMSEAS Responds to Humpback Whale in Amagansett

Atlantic Marine Conservation Society “AMSEAS” received a report of a deceased humpback whale floating offshore in Amagansett late in the evening on Saturday, May 30, 2020. The animal was reported by the US Coast Guard and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and had later been seen in the surf near Atlantic Avenue. The team developed a plan with network partners to respond to the following day, following safety guidelines in place under New York State Governor Cuomo’s “New York State on PAUSE” policies, taking every necessary precaution to stay safe.

On the morning of Sunday, May 31, the team arrived onsite to conduct a necropsy examination, to determine a cause of death, if possible, for this animal, and to continue building on the knowledge gained through the Stranding Network on the challenges whales, and all marine mammals and sea turtles, are facing in our waters. The 33.8-foot, sub-adult female whale had a decent layer of blubber and food in its stomach, indicating that the animal had been eating. Biologists found some suspect bruising, and collected tissue samples to send to a pathologist to determine if there is any evidence of trauma. Those results may take several months to come back. As per Town of East Hampton protocol, the whale was taken to an offsite disposal facility.

“Each large whale stranding is always a unique case,” shares AMSEAS chief scientist Robert A. DiGiovanni, Jr. “With the addition of COVID-19, we've had to adapt to a new set of challenges in our response efforts. Safety has always been and will always continue to be a top priority, and we have worked diligently to ensure our work falls within the guidelines of Governor Cuomo’s 'New York State on PAUSE' policies. We are so fortunate to have a great network of partners that assist in these events and that we are able to continue to work together.”

The public is always encouraged to practice social distancing from marine mammals and sea turtles, keeping a recommended distance of 150 feet away at all times. For deceased marine mammals like large whales, they still pose a public safety threat, especially when in the surf. Strandings should immediately be reported to the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631.369.9829.

AMSEAS thanks NYS DEC, NOAA Fisheries, Town of East Hampton, East Hampton Marine Patrol and lifeguards for their support in these response efforts.

News Coverage:
The East Hampton Star
The Independent
Patch