MLML Ornithology & Mammalogy Lab

Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network
Dead Cetaceans and Pinnipeds

Dead Gray Whale Image

Gray whale on Salinas River State Beach (March 1991).

Dead Minke Whale in Water Image

Minke whale found floating near Point Sur.
It appeared to have been in a collision with a boat (July 1991).

Dead Minke Whale on Beach Image

Minke whale that washed up on Marina State Beach.
Several pieces of baleen and one flipper were collected and prepared for display (October 1993).

Humpback whale on beach

Humpback whale that washed up at Greyhound Rock near Davenport.
One flipper and several pieces of baleen were collected and prepared for display (July 1993).

Pacific white-sided dolphin on beach

Pacific white-sided dolphin that washed up near Bird and Seal Rocks
in Pebble Beach (September 1993).

Harbor porpoise on table

This harbor porpose had a gaff (an iron hook with a handle) wound
and probably died incidental to fishery operations (September 1992).

Dead sea lion being weighed

At the beginning of a necropsy, animals are weighed and various measurements taken.

Organ and tissue samples being taken.

During a necropsy, organ and tissue samples are taken for laboratory analysis
(toxicology and histology).

Cleaning up after a long day.

Cleaning up after a long day of necropies.

At the end of a necropsy, animals are flensed (stripped of meat, blubber, and skin).
The skeletons are then soaked in water, cleaned, and prepared for museum display.

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Last revision: February 20, 2003
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