Dead Whale Washes Ashore On Long Beach Island

BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ — A dead Fin whale that washed ashore in Barnegat Light appeared to have been struck by a vessel, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC).

The Fin whale, an endangered species, was a young male measuring 51 feet 1.5 inches in length, and weighing an estimated 25 tons. It washed ashore on Feb. 20.

He had evidence of blunt force trauma to the left side of the body consistent with suspected vessel strike, MMSC officials said. Evidence of a previous entanglement was also seen at the base of the tail. Following the necropsy, the whale was buried on the beach.

Samples have been collected for further analysis, which will help determine whether the vessel strike happened before or after death.

This is the first whale stranding in New Jersey of 2026, according to MMSC officials.

Fin whales are the second-largest species of whale, behind the Blue whale. As adults, Fin whales can reach 75-80 feet in length and weigh 40-80 tons. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center has responded to 35 Fin whales since 1978.