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Norway ups whale kill numbers and removes whale welfare protections

The whaling season in Norway has begun on the back of disturbing announcements from the...
Image taken from an unmanned hexacopter at >100ft during a research collaboration between NOAA/SWFSC, SR3 and the Coastal Ocean Research Institute. Research authorized by NMFS permit #19091.

Southern Resident orca petition to list them under Oregon Endangered Species Act advanced

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to advance a petition seeking to protect...
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WDC and Conservation Partners Continue to Seek Oregon Endangered Species Protection for Southern Resident Orcas

On Friday, April 21st, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will determine whether the petition...
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For Immediate Release, April 10, 2023 MARSHFIELD, MA - A young grey seal was found...

Orca Found Dead on Florida Beach

An orca lies in the surf as people look at it.
Credit: Flagler County Sheriff's Office

On January 11th, a 21-foot-long female orca died after stranding on a beach in Palm Coast, Florida. WDC’s Stranding Coordinator, Sarah McCormack, was in a meeting with rescue, response, and rehabilitation organizations across the country when news broke about this extremely rare occurrence. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and we have never had a record of a killer whale stranding in Florida – or in the Southeast, U.S.,” said Blair Mase, Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator. 

When the responders arrived, they found that the orca had died. A multi-agency response team, including members from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, and the University of Florida jumped into action to figure out what happened. They worked tirelessly to transport the animal from the beach to a lab to conduct a necropsy, or animal autopsy.  

Rare sightings like these offer scientists an invaluable, close-up opportunity to learn about these animals. During necropsies, scientists collect samples to test for things that could impact human health too such as harmful algal blooms, contaminants, and infectious diseases. In addition to collecting basic data like length, weight, sex, etc., scientists also conduct what is known as a human interaction evaluation. This in-depth exam is a way to identify if there is evidence of vessel strikes, entanglements, debris ingestion, trauma from sonar, gunshot wounds, or other human causes.  

The team meticulously examined the animal through the night, collecting data and samples to help determine the cause of death. During their examination, they found that this female orca showed signs of old age, including having very worn-down teeth. They ruled out human interaction as a reason for why it stranded.  

This case is especially unique due to the scarcity of orca sightings in the Southeast Atlantic. There are occasional reports of offshore orcas here in the Northeast Atlantic. Our Marine Animal Rescue and Response program is ready to respond to reports of any marine mammal species like whales, dolphins (including orcas?) or seals from Weymouth to Plymouth, Massachusetts. If you see a marine mammal stranded, distressed or dead, call WDC’s hotline at (617) 688-6872. 

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