A surprising yet tragic scene unfolded for local residents and tourists on the shores of Sankt-Peter-Ording in the Schleswig-Holstein federal state of Germany — the carcass of a beached whale washed ashore. This marks the third incident related to the death of giant marine mammals in this region recently.
10-meter beached whale — the cause of death is currently unknown
According to reports, the whale found on the shore is approximately 10 meters long, and the cause of its death is not yet clear. The whale carcass was loaded into a container using special equipment — an excavator — and transported to the appropriate center for disposal.
Currently, the cause of death is being investigated by specialists from the Hannover Veterinary Institute. Initial results are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Are Atlantic "guests" becoming more common in the North Sea?
Beached whales primarily inhabit the North Atlantic Ocean, but occasionally they also venture into the North Sea. Similar incidents were recorded in February 2024:
Initially, a 14-meter sperm whale was found on the island of Sylt, followed by the discovery of a younger and emaciated beached whale carcass on the island of Minzener-Oog.
It was reported that the first whale had perished after being unable to lift its own weight out of the water, while the second's death was attributed to intestinal parasites.
Are marine fauna at risk?
Experts link such incidents to natural factors, disorientation, pollution, feeding problems, and climate change. Each case is investigated individually, but the frequency of these occurrences is being regarded as a serious signal for ecologists.
The editorial team of Zamin.uz believes that in light of such incidents on the shores of Germany, it is essential to increase public and environmental protection organization awareness. The life of marine animals is directly related to humanity's ecological responsibility.
Photo: Bild
