Why are so many whales washing up dead on east-coast beaches?

Since 2016, whales have been washing up dead on the US east coast, with preliminary findings indicating vessel strikes as the probable cause of death for many. Increased whale sightings near New York City and warming waters may be a contributing factor.

March 17, 2023 . 3:52 AM

1 min read

Whales have been washing up dead on the US east coast since 2016, with 29 dead whales found since December 2022.
Necropsies show that 40% of the whales had evidence of blunt force trauma or propeller wounds.
Preliminary findings indicate a vessel was the probable cause of death for Luna, a 40-year-old humpback whale.
Increased whale sightings near New York City may be due to warming waters and increased Menhaden, a type of fish many whales feed on.
Whales are playing in traffic in New York Harbor, the busiest port in America, putting them in the path of vessels.