Credit: MERR Institute under NMFS Permit No. 18786-01
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Humpback whales have been dying in large numbers across the Atlantic Coast and federal officials are declaring the deaths an unusual mortality event.
NOAA Fisheries says 41 humpbacks have died since 2016 from Maine to North Carolina.
The declaration of an unusual mortality event triggers a focused, expert investigation into the cause of the deaths.
Representatives from NOAA will be releasing more information Thursday on the deaths of the whales and what steps will be taken next.
About CapeCod.com NewsCenter
