Fourteen whales have washed up on Atlantic Coast beaches since Dec. 1, but marine mammal experts and some conservation groups urge caution before jumping to conclusions about why these animals and others died.
In total, at least 20 marine mammals from five species – including humpbacks, pilot whales and an orca – have been found dead on beaches from Maine to Florida since Nov. 28.
The deaths have prompted concerns as photos and stories of the whales and marine mammal rescue teams circulate online. On Wednesday, federal officials held a conference call with reporters to try to address swirling questions and rumors.
Final results of their investigations aren’t yet available. Based on preliminary reports, it’s likely a variety of human activities may be responsible for some of the deaths.
Here’s what is known so far:
How unusual is it to have so many dead whales?
Whale deaths overall have been unusually high for years, with an upward trend in deaths along the East Coast, said Gilbert Brogan, a program manager with Oceana, a nonprofit ocean advocacy group.
The National Marine Fisheries Service is in the midst of three separate investigations into an increase in deaths among Atlantic Coast whales.
Fisheries service officials also noted that humpback whales are rebounding to some extent in the mid-Atlantic. Increasing populations can put the animals at greater risk of interactions with boats and fishing gear.
The windmills in western Maryland are to blame.
Why no mention of the elephant on the room: the COVID vaccinations?
Im sure Hillary was involved.
Fix the infrastructure grids with the money that will be spent on an unknown which will only supply a small portion of electricity to a small population.
Just a thought….how about natural causes (to include being hit by large ships)?
Whales die from natural causes, sickness AND being hit. Hopefully scientists can provide more info.
And obviously SOROS