Sperm Whale Update
UPDATE ON SPERM WHALE CARCASS
The carcass of an adult, male sperm whale is now at a remote beach near Campbell Industrial Park in West O‘ahu. Several attempts were made to tow this whale back out to sea, but ocean currents repeatedly brought it back to land. Now researchers and cultural practitioners are using the presence of this carcass to gain better understanding of what may have caused the whale’s death; of sperm whale behaviors; and of its place in the natural ecosystem as it degrades over time. Officials will also address the status of state and federal investigations regarding illegal take from the carcass.
What:
News Conference
When:
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019
11:00 a.m.
Where:
Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, 1151 Punchbowl Street (makai breezeway outside Chair’s Office)
Who:
- David Schofield, NOAA Marine Mammal Response Coordinator
- Jason Redulla, DLNR Division of Conservation & Resources Enforcement Chief
- Dr. Kristi West, HIMB Marine Mammal Stranding Team Lead
- Malia Akutagawa, UH William S. Richardson School of Law Assistant Professor of Law and Hawaiian Studies
Resources:
Video and photographs of Jan. 19, 2019 tow operation will be available.
