Wildlife

Ship strikes suspected in deaths of two whales in Southeast Alaska

JUNEAU — Two humpback whales found dead in Southeast Alaska in July showed evidence of being struck by ships, according to a federal fisheries agency.

The whales were found in Icy Strait, a popular destination for fishermen, sightseeing and cruise ship tourists that surrounds the communities of Hoonah, Gustavus and Elfin Cove.

The National Marine Fisheries Services, also known as NOAA Fisheries, said a young, male humpback whale was reported floating on July 3. After it washed ashore near Elfin Cove, a necropsy found injuries consistent with a ship strike, NOAA Fisheries said.

A second, 48-foot humpback was found dead just over two weeks later around 20 miles away — close to Point Adolphus, officials said.

The whale was identified as SEAK-1731, a pregnant 23-year-old humpback. The whale had a long history of being sighted in Southeast Alaska and Hawaii. A necropsy found evidence of “blunt force trauma,” suggesting the whale was struck by a ship, but NOAA Fisheries said the cause of death had not yet been confirmed as of Tuesday.

During routine monitoring last month, National Park Service officials said they found evidence of “fresh propeller scars” on a humpback whale calf in nearby Glacier Bay, but the park service said the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

“There have been a number of self-reported collisions this summer in Icy Strait – whales hitting stationary boats and boats underway hitting whales, but there appear to be additional strikes occurring as well,” the National Park Service said in a statement.

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Humpback whales return each summer to Southeast Alaska to feed on fish and krill. National Park Service officials said the humpback whale population declined substantially from a recent marine heat wave. But this year, a record number of humpback calves have been documented in Glacier Bay, officials said.

NOAA Fisheries’ regulations require ships to sail slowly and safely around humpback whales. Ships cannot approach within 100 yards of a whale.

Sean Maguire

Sean Maguire is a politics and general assignment reporter for the Anchorage Daily News based in Juneau. He previously reported from Juneau for Alaska's News Source. Contact him at smaguire@adn.com.

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