Endangered pregnant whale found dead on bow of cruise ship in Alaska
Summary
A pregnant fin whale was found dead on the front part of a cruise ship that arrived in Seward, Alaska. Authorities are investigating the cause of death and have started an animal autopsy to learn more.Key Facts
- The dead whale was a pregnant female fin whale, an endangered species.
- It was found on the "bulbous bow," the front part, of a cruise ship in Seward, Alaska.
- NOAA Fisheries Alaska is handling the investigation and working with the Alaska SeaLife Center to perform a necropsy (animal autopsy).
- It is illegal for people to take any parts of the whale unless they are Alaska Natives using the parts for traditional purposes.
- Fin whales are the second-largest whale species and face serious threats from being hit by ships.
- Nearly 725,000 fin whales were killed by whaling in the Southern Hemisphere during the 20th century.
- Other recent fin whale deaths have occurred, including a similar case in New Jersey and one near Anchorage, Alaska.
- Icelandic hunters recently resumed fin whale hunting after a pause, causing concern among conservationists.
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