Two centuries ago, the whaling industry in the northeastern United States was thriving. Harpooned whales, brought back to shore by intrepid fisherman—the likes of which were immortalized in famous works of fiction such as Herman Melville’s Moby Dick—were a reason for celebration. Whale oil was a prized commodity, keeping American colonists awake after dark by providing the fuel needed to light their lamps.
Fast forward to today and images of dead whales on the ocean’s edge paint a much different picture—one that is simultaneously confusing, ominous and awe-inspiring.
So far, scientists lack a clear answer for the uptick in dead whales—particularly humpback whales—washing into shore. In Virginia, over 30 humpback whale deaths have been recorded since 2016. A similar number of onshore and offshore mortalities have been recorded in North Carolina.
Some speculate that the offshore wind industry is to blame. Acoustic surveying, necessary to map underwater areas for future wind turbine installation, could theoretically damage whales’ hearing and impact their ability to communicate with each other. There is, however, no definitive evidence linking offshore wind surveying activities to whale fatalities.
The more likely answer, according to current scientific consensus, is a combination of increased whale and human activity: more whales, possibly due to cleaner water and successful environmental protection policies, means there’s a greater likelihood of collisions with shipping and fishing vessels (which have also been increasing in density in East Coast waters)—or for the whales to become entangled in fishing nets.
While we wait for answers, here is the photo evidence of the majestic Cetaceans that, even in death, inspire wonder in those who view them.
1. A 25-foot Juvenile Humpback Whale Washes Ashore On Long Beach Island, NJ
Humpback whales are magnificent marine mammals known for their acrobatic displays and haunting songs. They can be found in all of the world’s oceans and are renowned for their long-distance migrations. They travel annually between feeding and breeding grounds, often covering thousands of kilometers. Their migration patterns vary depending on their population, but many humpback whales migrate from cold feeding grounds in polar regions to warmer breeding and calving areas nearer the equator.
Humpback whales have faced various threats in the past, including commercial whaling, habitat degradation, entanglement in fishing gear, and vessel collisions. An initial autopsy of the juvenile male humpback pictured above suggests that a collision with a shipping or fishing vessel likely caused its stranding and death.
2. A Large Humpback Whale Washes Ashore In Seaside Park, NJ
When these unfortunate events occur, experts are called in to inspect the whale. If the whale is beached but not dead, it is euthanized. Once an autopsy has been conducted, the whale is typically buried on the beach. Heavy construction equipment is necessary to complete the burial due to the sheer size of the mammals.
3. A Dead Humpback Whale Is Found In Brigantine, NJ
Humpback whales possess a unique feature on their skin called “ventral pleats” or “ventral grooves.” These grooves run along the underside of their body from their chin to their belly button. The primary function of these grooves is related to the incredible feeding behavior of humpback whales, specifically their method of filter feeding.
During feeding, humpback whales engulf large volumes of water along with their prey, typically small fish or krill. As they close their mouths, the ventral grooves allow their throat to expand dramatically, creating a ballooning effect. This expansion increases the volume of water and prey that can be contained within their mouths. Once the water is inside, the humpback whale uses its baleen plates to filter out the prey, trapping them inside while expelling excess water. The grooves facilitate this process by allowing the throat to stretch and accommodate large quantities of water and prey.
4. Onlookers Are Mesmerized By This Massive Humpback Whale In Lido Beach, NY
Humpback whales, among the largest mammals on the planet, are truly colossal creatures. On average, adult humpbacks measure between 40 and 52 feet in length, with females generally being slightly larger than males. However, some exceptional individuals can reach lengths of up to 60 feet and weigh as much as 33 tons. Their impressive size is matched by their iconic long pectoral fins, which can span up to one-third of their body length, adding to their majestic presence in the ocean. Despite their massive bulk, humpback whales are known for their remarkable acrobatic displays, frequently breaching and slapping their tails on the water’s surface, much to the awe of onlookers.
While humpback whales are formidable in stature, they are not the largest whales in the ocean. That title belongs to the blue whale. Fin whales also surpass humpbacks in size. Nevertheless, humpback whales are still “giants of the sea,” their imposing presence making them a symbol of the awe-inspiring wonders found within our oceans—in life and in death.
