The dead whale that washed ashore on Block Island has been identified by the Center for Coastal Studies. Tissue samples and measurements were collected from the nearly 50-foot whale this week which confirmed yesterday it was an adult female named Binary. The Coastal Center says her last sighting was in 2022. Officials say over the years Binary has birthed at least nine calves.
According to a statement from the Center For Costal Studies:
"Binary’s death is part of an unusual mortality event that has been underway along the U.S. East Coast since 2016. We are saddened by each and every case, but are also grateful to know when they occur and for each opportunity to learn more about what happened. Whale deaths along the U.S. East Coast are investigated by NOAA, members of the Greater Atlantic and Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Networks and their analytical partners.
Officials say that the mortality events at sea have been happening for the last eight years.
(Photo provided by Center for Coastal Studies)