Statement from DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos on Humpback Whale in Moriches Bay

LongIsland.com

DEC has worked very hard to help the whale that is beached in the Moriches Inlet.

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Moriches Bay, NY - November 23, 2016 - DEC has worked very hard to help the whale that is beached in the Moriches Inlet. We understand that NOAA and the federal government will make the determination on what to do. It appears that NOAA believes the whale is terminal and cannot be saved and euthanization is likely. Our biologists concur with NOAA's assessment that the whale is in very poor health and may not survive, but DEC's strong opinion is that we should try every option before euthanization. If unsuccessful in our attempts, the only loss will have been our time and effort which we believe is a worthwhile investment. DEC has offered to pay the cost and provide equipment for any rescue attempt. We have communicated that to NOAA and await their response.