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Public presses panel on whale strandings and necropsy transparency
Summary
Public commenters asked whether whale deaths are being linked to offshore surveys or installations and whether necropsies are conducted quickly enough; NOAA scientists said available evidence has not associated strandings with surveys but investigations and monitoring continue.
Several audience members asked whether recent unusual whale mortality events have been correctly investigated and whether necropsy results and Level B/C monitoring reports will be publicly available.
"I believe there have been about 4 10 whales that have died up and down the Atlantic Coast since about 2016 since those seismic surveys have begun," said a public commenter. Panel scientists said that, based on the best available information they are aware of, NOAA has not associated strandings with offshore wind surveys or installations. "We are not seeing that evidence," said Andy Lipsky, noting the agency is continuing monitoring and collaborative research.
Audience members pressed for quicker necropsies and more transparent reporting of results and said they want public access to reports. Panelists acknowledged the public trust problem and encouraged collaborative, published monitoring and clearer communication about investigative processes.
