Marine biologists are currently investigating the deaths of six fin whales found drifting off the west coast of France without revealing the true cause of death either by shipwreck or being caught in a fishing net.
The researchers used a mechanical excavator and a long knife to dissect the fin whale. It is known as the second-largest species of whale after the blue whale.
They took samples that they believed might reveal evidence of viral pathogens.
“We have what is almost an epidemic or, at any rate, an abnormal spike in deaths,” said Willy Dabin, a researcher from the Pelagis Observatory who worked on the whales.
In a year, about three or 10 whales are found dead on the French coast.
The body of the latest fin whale was found last Friday near Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez which measures almost 16 meters and weighs an estimated 10 tons.
All of these whales are malnourished and show evidence of bleeding in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
“The question lurking in the background is: are humans a contributing factor in their capacity to upset the environment,” said Dabin.
“Either by impacting food availability or polluting the living environment, which could leave the whales more vulnerable to disease,” he added.
Authorities also controlled the carcass of the whale to avoid public attention.
Source: France24, The Jakarta Post