NOAA Fisheries is declaring the recent deaths of 41 humpback whales from 2016 through present from Maine to North Carolina to be an unusual mortality event, triggering a focused, expert investigation into the cause.

Members of the media are invited to join a teleconference on Thursday, April 27, to hear more details and ask questions of our whale experts. NOAA representatives will provide the latest information on the death of the whales and talk about next steps.
WHAT:
Media availability to discuss recent deaths of humpbacks on the East Coast
WHEN:
Thursday, April 27, 11:00 a.m. ET
HOW:
Dial-In: 800-369-2061
Passcode: WHALES
WHO:
- Mendy Garron, stranding coordinator, NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region
- Greg Silber, large whale recovery coordinator, NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources
- Deborah Fauquier, veterinary medical officer, NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources
- Blair Mase-Guthrie, stranding coordinator, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Region