Marine Mammal Strandings at 2nd Cape

Observation by Jaclyn Christensen:

The location is (lat 57.11525 long -158.555310) near the active fire site where local community members are accessing the fire zone to contain the area. Mortality looks to be of a natural cause. Other smaller whales have been observed on the beach, all different species: porpoise, grey or minke, walrus, sea otter, and shark (see attached observation). The dead baby porpoise was sighted on August 17, 2019. The dead minke baby whale was sighted on August 20th. The dead walrus was sighted on August 22nd. The dead whale was sighted August 26th and sea otters possibly other sea lion (the lat/long for the dead whale, 30 foot: 57.11525, -158.555310.)

Melissa Good, Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program Agent, writes:

The whale in the pictures appears to be a gray whale. Since January 1, 2019, elevated gray whale strandings have occurred along the west coast of North America, from Mexico through Alaska. Due to the elevated numbers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service has declared an unusual mortality event (UME) for gray whales. NOAA is extremely interested in collecting any information possible from these animals. Previously stranded gray whales during this UME have shown signs of emaciation.

The most important action someone can take is to immediately report a dead, injured, or stranded marine mammal. Make the report by calling the Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network: 1-866-767-6114.

You can also contact the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16. Do not approach or touch injured or dead marine mammals. All marine mammals are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Only local and state officials and people authorized, including Alaska Natives, by NOAA Fisheries may legally handle live and dead marine mammals.

Please see species identifications of animals in photos as provided by Gay Sheffield, Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program Agent.

Gay writes:

Please see below and hope that helps with your post.

1. gray whale
2. gray whale
3. harbor porpoise
4. harbor porpoise
5. harbor porpoise
6. harbor porpoise