Efforts Underway to Guide Young Minke Whale Out of Long Beach Harbor
Long Beach Harbor has recently become the temporary home for a young minke whale, prompting intervention from marine wildlife specialists. The whale has been observed swimming in the harbor for several days, leading authorities to take action to assist its exit.
Expert Insights on Whale Behavior
According to Michael Milstein, a representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), such occurrences are not uncommon. “This happens from time to time,” Milstein noted. “Usually, they find their way out on their own.”
Past Incidents in Long Beach
This is not the first instance of large whales entering the harbor. In 2017, two gray whales were sighted in the area—the first was a 20-foot specimen that swam into shallow waters near Belmont Shore, followed by another gray whale measuring 18 feet.
Efforts to Assist the Minke Whale
On Thursday, marine experts implemented a strategy to help the minke whale exit the harbor more easily. They removed containment booms at the harbor’s entrance to create a wider passage and used sound cues to guide the whale towards the exit point.
Despite these efforts, the whale initially swam toward an open path but turned back into the harbor. Milstein explained that the team decided to pause their attempts for the day, allowing the whale a chance to make its own escape, particularly when the environment is quieter at night.
Public Interest and Safety
As the events unfolded, helicopters from local news outlets tracked the whale’s movements, while onlookers gathered at the Catalina Express Landing in downtown Long Beach to observe and document the scene.
Milstein assured the public that there is no immediate danger to the whale, emphasizing that the species is protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Facts About Minke Whales
Minke whales are among the smallest members of the baleen whale family, reaching lengths of up to 26 feet and weights of approximately 14,000 pounds, according to NOAA guidelines. Their small size relative to other whale species does not diminish their significance in marine ecosystems.