Marine Bioligists Study Whale Deaths Near FL Coastline

Marine Bioligists Study Whale Deaths Near FL Coastline

Man has once more interfered with the delicate Eco-system of the ocean, causing at least twenty-five pilot whale deaths. Although cause has yet to be determined by the scientists, it is theorized that these whales beach themselves due to rising pollutants in the world’s oceans. The carcasses appear to be emaciated, as if the animals were starving.

To date, study has revealed that some of the whales stomachs were empty. The morbillivirus, similar to distemper in dogs, has not been decidedly ruled out by biologists. The virus did not begin to commonly affect marine species until 1968. Although as yet unconfirmed, some researchers believe that increased pollutants may be to blame for the mutation of the now deadly virus.

These very gentle and social mammals travel in closely knit pods of up to ninety in a single pod. The animals were found off Kice Island, south of Naples FL which is located near Marco Island. It is believed that some of the whales may have died because, they refuse to leave a sick or dying one of their group and will unwittingly beach themselves at low tide.

Generally, pilot whales remain in cooler waters and these where found about twenty miles from their natural habitat and feeding grounds.