City of New Castle Statement Regarding the Deceased Whale Along the Shoreline
Date Posted: Friday, March 21st, 2025Deceased Whale- City of New Castle
March 21st, 2025
City of New Castle Statement Regarding the Deceased Whale Along the Shoreline
On February 28th, Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) was first alerted of a floating dead whale north of the Delaware Memorial Bridge in the Delaware River. Team members received photos and location, and determined that it was a Fin whale, estimated to be 35 feet long. The carcass eventually drifted into the Delaware side of the river, where the MERR Institute, NOAA Fisheries, state and local officials evaluated options for recovery and examination of the carcass, but it was inaccessible and remained in place along the riverbank.
Earlier this week, high tides freed the carcass from the area and floated into the City of New Castle on March 19th. City of New Castle officials coordinated with MERR, NOAA Fisheries, Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC) Division of Fish and Wildlife, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, City of New Castle Police Department and Public Works Department, and Good Will Fire Department on a plan to remove the carcass, and safely dispose of it at the Delaware Solid Waste landfill. The City would like to thank Cirillo Brothers Construction, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, 3D Fabricators, Inc., and Woodcraft for their time, assistance, and materials contributions to safely remove the carcass.
All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In addition to their work under the MMPA, NOAA Fisheries has made significant progress toward the protection of whales worldwide. They have taken many steps to reduce injury and mortality caused by fishing gear, reduce the threat of vessel collisions, minimize the effects of vessel disturbance and noise, and protect habitats that are essential to the survival and recovery of this species. Frequently asked questions about necropsies and how they are conducted for marine mammals are also available here on their website.
MERR is a federally authorized marine mammal response organization. All dolphins, porpoises, and whales are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes touching, feeding, or otherwise harming these animals illegal. The best way to assist these animals, and keep them and yourself safe, is by calling trained responders and maintaining a 150-foot distance. To report strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles in the northeast, call NOAA’s stranding hotline to be directed to a trained responder in your area: 866-755-6622.
For any further questions or concerns, please contact City Administrator, Antonina Tantillo – atantillo@newcastlecity.delaware.gov.
