The whale mystery: East Coast beaches witness high number of deaths

At least 18 dead whales have washed ashore since December 2022, According to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and researchers are trying to unravel the mystery behind the unusual spike in deaths.

The US East Coast has been witnessing an unusual mortality event (UME) for the humpback and North Atlantic right whales, per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Scientists are concerned as they are seeing such large casualties in a short span of time, in a tight area alone.

Why?
Human interaction is the leading cause, experts say. They believe large vessels and ships are adding to the fatality. Whales come in contact with ships and entangle themselves in ropes and fishing tools, which leads to their deaths.

There is a shift in food habits as well. Whales’ prey has moved closer to shore, to shallower waters, this winter. As whales follow their food, they end up hitting ships.

But many suspect wind farms near the shore contribute to whale deaths as it places certain devices on the ocean floor. However, agencies like the NOAA say there is no proven connection between the two.