PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Between Virginia and the Outer Banks, teams are working to figure out how four whales died within a one week span.
With necropsies wrapped up for the two juvenile humpback whales that washed up in Virginia Beach, marine biologists found signs of skin lesions likely caused by entanglements on both whales.
Marina Doshkov, stranding coordinator with Jennette’s Pier in the Outer Banks, said they believe the minke whale that washed up nearby died from an infectious disease, which raises some alarms for Doshkov.
Doshkov told 10 On Your Side, since whales are an apex predator, they are a sign of the overall health of the ocean. Whether the disease is caused by human interaction remains to be seen.
They are seeing strandings across multiple whale species, and even a couple of dolphins. If any more are added to the list, it could cause NOAA to declare what is called an “unusual mortality event.” This would get a task force to look into out what is causing the strandings.
While they are typical at this time of year, Doshkov said having so many strandings in such a short amount of time is concerning.
“We’re pushing the boundaries of our peak,” Doshkov said. “We’re definitely, we were a little concerned the other day, I’m not gonna lie. But we are monitoring the situation, we are reporting everything in real time.”
Doshkov said there are things we can do to help prevent strandings. Doshkov urges everyone to not leave fishing gear in the ocean, slow down if boating near whales and do not release balloons near the shore, as they occasionally find balloons inside whales.