Scientists puzzled by record number of whale deaths
Scientists are still puzzled by the sudden deaths of 30 large whales that have washed up on the coast of Alaska in recent weeks.
Different species of whale have been stranding along the shore since May in what is now being called an ‘unusual mortality event’.
The death rate is nearly three times the historical average and the record number of dead whales includes 11 fin, 14 humpback, one gray, and four unidentified others.
The cause remains a mystery but representatives from NOAA (the US federal department concerned with oceans) will continue their investigations.
(image copright Tim Stenton)
