Southern California

Scientists Say Most Whale Strikes Go Undocumented

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Scientists Say Most Whale Strikes Go Undocumented
Scientists at the Marine Science Institute, University of California–Santa Barbara estimate that more than 80 fin, blue, and humpback whales on the West Coast succumb to vessel collisions annually. Courtesy of the International Whaling Association
Lynn Hackman
Updated:
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—Scientists, researchers, and environmentalists have long grappled with how best to analyze the occurrence of vessel strikes that kill or injure endangered whales and other marine mammals along the feeding ground waterways of the California coast.

In Huntington Beach, a 63-foot fin whale washed onto California shores on May 19, after it was struck by an Australian Navy ship on its way to San Diego. Such occurrences are the only way researchers know when an animal has died.

Lynn Hackman
Lynn Hackman
Author
Lynn is a reporter for the Southern California edition of The Epoch Times, based in Orange County. She has enjoyed a 25-year career as a senior-level strategic public relations and contingency planning executive. An editor, blogger, and columnist, Lynn also has experience as a television and radio show producer and host. For six years, she was co-host of Sunday Brunch with Tom and Lynn on KOCI 101.5 FM. She is also active in the Newport Beach community, serving as chair emeritus of the Newport Beach City Arts Commission, among various positions with other local organizations.
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