In September of 2016, a local whale watch vessel reported a deceased North Atlantic right whale floating off of Boothbay Harbor, ME. This species is critically endangered, with less than 500 remaining; the loss of any individual is detrimental to the population. Though sad, the importance of learning everything possible from a deceased right whale made it imperative to fully investigate the report. MMoME quickly mobilized a response team and located the whale with vessel and air support from Marine Patrol. With extensive offsite coordinating with NOAA, and assistance from the Coast Guard, the 43 foot, 50 ton right whale was towed in to Portland harbor. From there, it was lifted out of the water and onto a trailer, and trucked to an offsite compost facility. The following day, a team of experts from around the country gathered to perform a necropsy (autopsy for animals), led and authorized by NOAA Fisheries. Early results indicated a young female with severe injuries from entanglement in line. The remains were composted, and her bones later collected to continue shedding insight on this amazing species.
