Only in the last one and a half months, six fin whales were washed up on the French coast – an abnormal number in comparison to the average three to ten whales washing up throughout an entire year.
All six whales were found dead without any apparent sign of external collision with marine traffic. Still, marine biologists consider that there might have been a human cause, either by impacting food availability or by polluting the animals’ environment. Both impacts “could leave the whales more vulnerable to disease”. Another danger might be a viral pathogen.
However, so far there are only theories and the actual cause of death is not yet known.
What is known is that all animals have been found malnourished and with signs of haemorrhaging in their cardiac and respiratory system. Researchers performed a necropsy on one animal to find further evidence and take tissue samples.
As the second biggest marine animals behind the blue whales, the fin whale bodies are going to be difficult to be disposed of. Until then, the corpses are being protected by guards to keep intrigued locals at a distance.
The full article can be found here: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/16/abnormal-spike-in-whales-stranded-on-french-shores
Comentários