Scientists to inspect whale carcase

Press, 3 February 1984, Page 2

Scientists to inspect whale carcase

This may look just a very dead whale to a beachcomber, Mrs Carol Fox, of Christchurch, but to marine scientists its shield of sealice protects a very interesting specimen. The 10m Right whale, found dead and stranded a kilometre south of Spencer Park on Wednesday evening, is in good condition and readily accessible. Consequently, a marine mammal expert of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Wellington will join local Ministry scientists today to make a detailed inspection of the carcase. Right whales are still relatively uncommon on the coast in this part of New Zealand. The name was coined by early whalers who considered it the “right one” to catch. Its popularity led to its decimation and it is only recently than in increase in Right whales had been recorded, said a local Ministry scientist, Mr Alan Coakley.

The cause of death in the case of this whale is unknown. Although now swarming with sea-lice, its body skin is in remarkably good condition. A length of rope (from a fishing net) around its tail did not seem to have any bearing on its death, said Mr Coakley.

The future of the whale will be determined later today. The Canterbury Museum has been offered first option on the carcase but has not as yet said what it intends doing with it.