A fin whale spotted by New England Aquarium scientists in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts
Around Valentine’s Day, Oregon beach-goers were greeted by an unexpected sight – the carcass of a fin whale , the world’s second largest whale, on the beach.
Fin whales can grow to over 80 feet in length and can weigh more than several school buses. Scientists are still working to ascertain the cause of death but witnesses confirmed that it was entangled with fishing gear and even recently attacked by orcas.
Although this whale one that was only around 50 feet long, it still is a testament to wonders our ocean offers, and provides us the chance to think more about how we can support the incredible wildlife off our coast.
Right now, in Oregon’s short legislative session, there is a bill (HB4132) which if passed would increase funding to Oregon’s most successful marine conservation program.
Our Marine Reserves Program and associated areas encompass roughly 9% of our state waters and boast incredible ecosystems and wildlife. Imagine rocky reefs full of rockfish, kelp forests concealing seals on the hunt, and vast sandy bottoms teeming with anemones and sea stars.
Were our legislators to pass HB4132, they’d be better supporting these special places and the incredible wildlife, like fin whales, that navigate these waters.
Join us in calling on our legislators to pass HB4132 swiftly.
Ian Giancarlo
Former Protect Our Oceans Campaign, Advocate, Environment America