#whale death
Boating safety highlighted after untimely death of dolphin yearling off Kauaʻi, humpback calf off Lānaʻi
So far in 2024, NOAA has received six confirmed reports of vessel strikes to humpback whales in Hawaiʻi. Within the span of a few weeks in February, a Hawaiian spinner dolphin yearling and a humpback whale calf stranded dead in Hawaiʻi. Both of their injuries were consistent with vessel strike, according to NOAA.
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.
