Juvenile Humpback Whale Found Dead in Mongaguá

A juvenile male humpback whale was found dead on Saturday morning on Centro beach in Mongaguá, on the coast of São Paulo. The incident mobilized various municipal and state institutions to cordon off the area, collect the carcass, and investigate the circumstances of its death.

Discovery and Authorities' Response

The alert came from fishermen around 7:20 AM, who informed the Environmental Guard and the Municipal Secretariat of Environment. High tide required the necropsy to be postponed until the water receded, ensuring the safety of biologists and veterinarians. A municipal tractor removed the animal from the water and positioned it on the sand, where the urban maintenance team will handle its transport to a licensed landfill.

Sanitary and Environmental Risk

Authorities recommend that residents and tourists keep their distance from the carcass and call emergency services if the perimeter is breached. The decomposition of marine mammals releases viruses, bacteria, and fungi with the potential for human transmission, in addition to gases that cause intense bad odor, nausea, and headaches. Fluids and blood can attract predators like sharks and compromise water quality, making swimming unsuitable in that stretch.

Humpback Whale Migratory Period

The appearance of the juvenile male coincides with the migratory route of humpback whales along the Brazilian coast. These cetaceans depart from Antarctica, where they feed in the summer, and travel thousands of kilometers to tropical Brazilian waters, seeking higher temperatures and calm seas to mate and give birth. In adulthood, the species can reach 13 to 16 meters in length and exceed 50 tons. After reproduction, the groups return to the icy continent.

Necropsy Procedures and Carcass Disposal

Technicians from Instituto Biopesca conducted the necropsy to investigate the cause of death, collecting samples and performing examinations. After the work is concluded, the municipal urban maintenance service will transport the carcass to the licensed landfill, following animal waste management regulations.

With information from SpaceMoney.