Marine Biologists Investigate Strange Death of Gervais’ Beaked Whale in Florida

Marine biologists in Florida are working to uncover the reasons behind the unusual appearance and subsequent death of a Gervais’ beaked whale near the shore. The whale was spotted struggling in the water off Harry Harris Park by a boater, who promptly alerted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The whale was then brought to Tavernier Creek Marina for further examination and study.

The sighting of a Gervais’ beaked whale so close to the shore is a rare occurrence. Juan Ravelo, a witness to the event, expressed his surprise at the unusual situation, stating, "I know that it’s odd. I know that it’s not supposed to be here, that it’s not normal." Art Cooper from Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responders also shared his surprise, mentioning that he had only encountered three Gervais’ beaked whales in the Keys over the past three decades.

The Gervais’ beaked whale is known to inhabit the open ocean, making their presence in shallow waters highly unusual. Cooper highlighted the lack of knowledge about these creatures, saying, "They live in the open ocean. We don’t know a whole lot about them." The struggle of the whale in the shallow water further emphasizes its unsuitability for such an environment. It is a deep-water pelagic species, and its presence near the shore raises many questions for marine biologists.

To gain more insights into the situation, marine biologists conducted a necropsy, which is an autopsy performed on an animal, and plan to conduct a CT scan on the whale. These examinations will provide valuable information about the potential causes of the whale’s death and its unusual behavior.

The puzzling circumstances surrounding the appearance and subsequent death of the Gervais’ beaked whale in Florida have sparked the curiosity of marine biologists. As they continue their investigations, they hope to shed light on the reasons behind this unexpected event and gain a better understanding of this elusive species.

Key Takeaways:

• The appearance of a Gervais’ beaked whale near the shore in Florida has left marine biologists puzzled.
• The whale was spotted struggling in shallow water, which is highly unusual for a deep-water pelagic species.
• Gervais’ beaked whales are known to inhabit the open ocean, making their presence near the shore rare.
• The lack of knowledge about these creatures adds to the mystery surrounding their behavior and appearance.
• Through a necropsy and CT scan, marine biologists hope to uncover the reasons behind the whale’s death and gain insights into this elusive species.