Stranding and Death of a Humpback Whale in New Jersey, USA

In October, a young humpback whale stranded on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Rescue workers discovered distinct propeller injuries on both sides of its body and found it severely emaciated. Preliminary assessments indicate the whale died from vessel strikes and malnutrition. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) noted that propeller injuries are a leading cause of death for large whales, particularly along the shipping-heavy Atlantic coast. This incident has prompted the U.S. Coast Guard to consider expanding slow-speed zones for vessels and promoting the installation of anti-collision sonar systems.