AMSEAS Conducts Necropsy on Humpback Whale in Southampton

On the morning of Thursday, November 14, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society “AMSEAS” received a report of a deceased humpback whale that washed up at Halsey Neck Lane in the Village of Southampton. The whale was moved out of the surf and the necropsy was performed the same day.

AMSEAS had support from Southampton Village Highway Department, NOAA Fisheries New England/Mid-Atlantic, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and Mystic Aquarium. There were no significant findings for this humpback whale, which was a female, approximately 27.5 feet in length. Samples were taken and sent to a pathologist to help determine a cause of death. Those results may take several months to come back.

When conducting mortality investigations, it is important to collect all available data to compile a comprehensive picture of the animal. Atlantic Marine Conservation Society shared photos of the whale’s dorsal fin with regional researchers to learn if they had sighted the whale recently. Wildlife Conservation Society and Gotham Whale both reported seeing this individual in the New York Bight over the summer. Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) did not sight the animal during trips off Montauk, which is equally important as we can learn more about the waters animals do and do not use. Our colleagues at the Center for Coastal Studies observed the whale in the Gulf of Maine in September. It is important to know where these animals have been and where they are going, and where they are not going. Sharing this information with a number of organizations to learn more emphasizes how it takes a group effort to promote marine conservation through action.

The public is encouraged to report injured and deceased marine mammals and sea turtles to the NYS Stranding Hotline by calling 631.369.9829. Sightings of marine wildlife are also helpful and can be shared with AMSEAS by emailing sightings@amseas.org.

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