Deceased Humpback Whale Disappears from Newport Beach Shores, Prompting Environmental Inquiry
This week, a nearly 30-foot deceased humpback whale, found washed up on Newport Beach shores, vanished overnight, likely swept back out to sea by strong surf. The subadult whale, located near 11th Street between Balboa and Newport Piers, sparked immediate concerns from local authorities about its disposal and what could be learned from this untimely event.
The whale was discovered on Wednesday, February 18, prompting the Whale Response Team from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) to spring into action. They faced challenges on Thursday with a storm approaching, bringing rough waves and winds that hindered efforts to either tow the whale back out to sea or dismantle it for landfill disposal. However, by Friday morning, when lifeguards arrived, the carcass was gone, leaving only questions and insights behind.
“Every stranding represents both a loss and an opportunity,” said Dr. Alissa Deming, a veterinarian and vice president of Conservation Medicine and Science at PMMC. This sentiment resonates deeply, reminding us of the fragility of life and the potential for growth through loss, echoing biblical teachings about stewardship and compassion for all living things.
The whale, estimated to be about 29.5 feet long and weighing around 23,000 pounds, was later confirmed to be a female. At this stage, PMMC and the Ocean Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Alliance (OARRA) had planned to collect samples for further study, including skin, blubber, and bodily fluids, all aimed at deciphering the factors contributing to this young whale’s death. As the verse from Matthew 6:26 reminds us, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are
If you want to want to know more about this topic, check out BGodInspired.com or check out specific products/content we’ve created to answer the question at BGodInspired Solutions
