MONCTON, NB, June 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is working with fishery officers, marine mammal scientists, veterinary pathologists, as well as marine animal response networks and organizations to determine what has caused the recent deaths of at least six rare North Atlantic Right whales in eastern Canada.
DFO is implementing a plan that includes towing carcasses to a secluded beach near Norway, Prince Edward Island (PEI), where necropsies will be conducted. These necropsies will help determine the cause of mortality which is still unknown at this time.
The province of PEI has helped DFO to identify a safe and secluded site to conduct the necropsies.
Two carcasses are currently being towed to the area, one of which will soon be brought to shore. There is a possibility of a third whale carcass being towed to the same area in the coming days. Heavy equipment will be used to haul the carcasses onto shore, where the necropsies will take place. The first necropsy will begin June 29 and the process could take several days to be completed. It could take several weeks or even months before results are known.
Conducting necropsies on right whales is a significant undertaking. DFO Science reached out to non-governmental organizations, academic and international experts to ensure that sampling will follow scientifically robust protocols. Experts from DFO, the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-Atlantic Veterinary College, the Marine Animal Response Society, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Université de Montréal, the Marine Mammal Commission and the provincial government of British Columbia will take part in the necropsies. Other partners may also be included.
DFO asks that the public stay a safe distance from the necropsy site, as there will be heavy machinery at work and scientists must be allowed to do their important work without distraction.
DFO takes the protection, conservation and recovery of endangered species very seriously, and will continue to investigate the deaths of North Atlantic Right whales in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
For more information on the North Atlantic Right whale: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/profiles-profils/rightwhaleNA-baleinenoireAN-eng.html
Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/DFO_MPO
SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Region, 506-851-7045, [email protected]; Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region, 902-407-8439, [email protected]; Laura Gareau, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-992-3474, [email protected]
Share this article