Data and scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection all agree the most common cause of whale deaths in New Jersey recently has been collisions with ships.
Activists are blaming a recent spate of humpback strandings off New York and New Jersey on seismic exploration by offshore wind companies. But scientists say the deaths are not unusual and are likely due to increased ship traffic and entanglements with fishing gear.
One washed up on the shore of the Outer Banks between Avon and Buxton. The National Park Service says its death is likely due to the fishing line wrapped around its tail fluke.
Robyn Spencer was waiting to board a dolphin watching boat with her family in Rudee Inlet Saturday morning when a large gray animal poked its nose out of the water.