QUICK SUMMARY
A 50-foot dead sperm whale weighing 104,000 pounds washed ashore on Nantucket and will be taken back to sea for decomposition. The Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket plans to conduct examinations before removal to ensure safety for beachgoers.
A 50-foot-long sperm whale weighing 104,000 pounds washed ashore on Nantucket's north shore on Sunday and will be returned to sea for safe decomposition. The Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket (MMAN) initially deemed the whale too heavy to remove, but safety concerns for visitors and boaters prompted a change in plans. The whale will undergo a comprehensive examination, including tissue and organ sampling, to determine its cause of death. NOAA officials have also intervened to remove the whale's lower jaw to prevent poaching of its teeth. MMAN emphasized the importance of safety, as the beach is a popular summer destination. Visitors have shown their respect for the whale by scattering flowers and petals around it. This incident highlights the challenges marine officials face when dealing with large marine mammals. The presence of the whale has provided a unique learning opportunity for the community.