Dead fin whale spotted east of P.E.I., says DFO - Action News
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PEI

Dead fin whale spotted east of P.E.I., says DFO

A dead fin whale has been spotted during a recent aerial patrol carried out by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Necropsies continue to determine causes of death of six right whales

A dead fin whale, not pictured, has been spotted by DFO east of P.E.I. during an aerial patrol. (Eric Mouellic)

A dead fin whale has been spotted during a recent aerial patrol carried out by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

The whale was located east of Prince Edward Island.

"The cause of death is unknown at this timeand the Department is determining next steps," DFO said in a statement.

While six North Atlantic right whales have been found deadin the Gulf of St. Lawrence in June, the department said the whale seen on Friday was not one of the endangered species.

Necropsies continue

The investigation into the causes of death of the right whales continues. A necropsy on a second right whale wasexpected to beginFridaynear Norway, P.E.I.

While Fisheries and Oceans is working to determine what caused the deaths of six right whales in June, a fin whale was spotted dead off the east coast of P.E.I. (Department of Fisheries and Oceans)

Thenecropsyon the first whale did not provide immediate answers, but tissuesamples will be analyzed for further clues.

The three leading possibilities for the cause of the whale's demiseare ship strike, entanglement in fishing gear, or a toxic algae bloom.

"DFO takes the protection and conservation of all marine mammals very seriously," said the department's statement. "DFO will continue to investigate the deaths of North Atlantic right whales and conduct patrols as required."