#stranding lab
Marine debris ingested by 60-ton sperm whale believed to be a contributing cause of death
“In addition to squid beaks, fish skeletons and other prey remains, we found at least six hagfish traps and we also found significant amounts of at least seven types of fishing net, at least two types of plastic bags, a light protector, fishing line and a float from a net. We did find a number of things in the stomach of the sperm whale that may have contributed to its death and are certainly disturbing,” said Dr. Kristi West, the Health and Stranding Lab Director.
Morbillivirus Disease Found in Deceased Dolphin on Maui in 2018, Raises Concerns
After two years of investigating the cause of death of a Fraser’s dolphin that was stranded on Maui in 2018, researchers discovered a novel strain of morbillivirus, a marine mammal disease responsible for deadly outbreaks among dolphins and whales worldwide.
