Dr. Artie Kopelman of CRESLI checked in with his latest observations on the Whale along with some photos and the news is not good.
“The Whale has now been stranded on the sand bar for at least 24 hours and is embedded.”
Because of their massive weight, Whales not immersed in water suffer tissue and organ damage.
“Unfortunately all that can be done safely is to monitor the whale. Efforts were made at high tide yesterday to no avail.
Our colleagues at The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation are following protocols determined by NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) and as sad as it is for the public, it is sad for them as well, perhaps even more so.
They are trained professionals that know what they are doing and should be lauded for the efforts.”
There have also been reports of small boats and kayaks getting dangerously close to the Whale.
Dr. Kopelman wanted to remind everyone to use common sense and stay at least 100 yards away, violations can result in severe fines and penalties.
Please note the NOAA Whale Watching Guidelines here.
The following photos were taken this morning and just after noon as the tide was rising by Dr. Kopelman.
As you can see in the last photo, the sustained west winds and higher water levels at high tide aren’t helping the situation.
