Balaenoptera acutorostrata (minke whale) - NUVC-2688

Abstract

Balaenoptera acutorostrata (minke whale) - NUVC-2688 - female - 7.0 m - Pelvic location - University of Georgia 23-foot, female washed ashore on the south end of Plum Island, milemarker 2.8, N. of Sea Haven Park, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Ipswich, Essex Co., MA. Half of 1 tail fluke was missing and healed, the 10th caudal vertebra was crushed and healed, the 9th and its chevron are encrusted in arthritis-like bone growth, and the 3rd had a broken and healed disc. An apparent survivor of a propellor injury. Complete skeleton salvaged for Northeastern Univ., Boston.