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Gray whale washed up in Pacific County

Another dead gray whale was found dead on the coast of Washington, the fifth this primary season. Cascadia Research collective stranding coordinators, together with a team from Portland State University and the Seaside Aquarium, performed a necropsy on the 39-foot (11.9 m) adult male, hoping that organ samples could provide clues about its death.


The body was already moderately decomposed by the time it was found on the beach. Whether it had died before stranding or on the beach is not clear. However, the dry and slightly discolored orange blubber is a sign of malnutrition.


The latter suggests that whale’s death is likely part of an ongoing unusual mortality event that started last year but seems to be trailing off. Compared to the 34 animals that were stranded during the primary season last year, this year is far slower and – though still higher than normal years – much closer to what can normally be seen.


A detailed clip of the necropsy can be found here: https://katu.com/news/local/gray-whale-washes-up-along-washington-coast

The research teams performed a necropsy on the 12 m gray whale washed up on the Washington coast (Photo by Nellie Hux)

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