Dead Minke Whale Discovered At Madequecham Beach

A 24-foot dead minke whale was discovered Thursday morning at Madequecham Beach along Nantucket’s south shore.

The Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket (MMAN) received a call on its hotline about the stranded whale in the surf and its responding team quickly identified it as a minke whale. The MMAN is working with NOAA and local officials to evaluate options for an examination of the carcass. The cause of death is unknown at this point. 

“We ask that the public keep a safe distance as the animal weighs upwards of six tons and is currently rolling in the surf,” MMAN said in a statement. “If you are inclined to view, please bring binoculars and respect
private property.”

Since 2017, NOAA Fisheries has been investigating an unusual mortality event (UME) for large whales in the North Atlantic. The minke whale UME began in January 2017.

Minke whales in the United States are not endangered or threatened. All marine mammals (including the minke whale) are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Report any injured or dead marine mammal on Nantucket to the MMAN hotline at: 833-667-6626.