Federal investigation launched as marine experts prepare necropsy to determine how the protected species died before being discovered at Gloucester Marine Terminal.
This photo provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, shows a deceased whale caught on the bow of a ship at Gloucester Marine Terminal in Gloucester City, N.
J., Jan. 2026. was found on the bow of a container ship docked in New Jersey, authorities were working Tuesday to remove the carcass and determine the endangered animal’s cause of death. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, a New Jersey-based animal rescue service, said in a social media post that the whale was reported Sunday by the U.S. Coast Guard at the Gloucester Marine Terminal. The port is at the base of the Walt Whitman Bridge linking New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The center said in a follow-up post Tuesday that it was working to tow the carcass away in order to conduct a necropsy and determine how the whale died. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Tuesday confirmed its enforcement office has opened an investigation into the death but declined to comment further. It said anyone with information about the dead whale should call the agency’s hotline. The deceased animal is believed to be a fin whale between 25 to 30 feet long , the center said. The endangered species is known to swim in waters from southern New Jersey to the New York City area.in the Atlantic Ocean thanks to conservation efforts after becoming nearly extinct from commercial hunting. All dolphins, porpoises and whales are protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes touching, feeding or otherwise harming them illegal. Fin whales are the second-largest animals behind the blue whale. Fully grown, they can reach up to 85 feet long and weigh between 40 and 80 tons . The giant mammals are found throughout the world and are threatened by ship strikes, fishing gear entanglements and the effects of climate change, among other challenges.
New-Jersey @Pvigna Whale Section:/News
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Jersey GOP elects new chairwoman as the party tries to rebuild after 2025 lossesThe state party elected Christine Hanlon as its next chairwoman on Monday following the exit of the former state party chairman.
Read more »
Infamous ‘torso killer' admits to another New Jersey woman's murderRichard Cottinghim killed Alys Eberhardt, of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, in 1965, officials say.
Read more »
Dead whale found caught on ship in Camden County, New Jersey marine terminalThe Marine Mammal Stranding Center said a dead whale, tentatively identified as a Fin whale, was found on the bow of a ship at the Gloucester City marine terminal.
Read more »
The CDC is changing its vaccine recommendations, but N.J. says it’s sticking to scienceNew Jersey’s vaccine requirements remain unchanged by federal actions.
Read more »
Dangerous, drug-resistant fungus spreads across N.Y., N.J. hospitals and nursing homesA potentially deadly and drug-resistant fungus is spreading nationwide, including New York and New Jersey.
Read more »
Dead whale found on bow of ship in New Jersey sparks investigationThe death of a whale found on the bow of a container ship at a port along the Delaware River in southern New Jersey is under investigation
Read more »