Story by Shannon Cusick
Photagraphy by Larry Wagner
First sighted at four PM, on Monday October 19th, a seventy ton creature washed ashore with a blood gaping wound on the coast of small business owner Abbie Colbert's property in Fort Bragg, California. As the tide lowered, the full creature began to reveal herself, all the while being photographed by local artist and photographer Larry Wagner. Colbert has now taken on the exhausting task of how to deal with this perished and magnificent creature.
A 78 foot long survey vessel contracted by NOAA's (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) National Marine Fisheries Service reported a crash with the 72 foot long whale hours before the massive creature washed up in the Colbert's back yard. In an ironic twist, locals called for an immediate suspension of the Marine Life Protection Act process that the boat was collecting data for.
The seventy ton Blue Whale, a member of the largest mammal species, had recently given birth. The whale was reportedly very healthy. Scientists from around the world are requesting samples and various body parts for research. It is a sad, but rare and valuable opportunity for many whale researchers. Blue Whales were nearly hunted to extinction in the beginning of the twentieth century. The population now is estimated to be 4000-5000 individuals.
The removal, a volunteer team effort from community members and scientists alike, consisted of breaking up the Whale in to many parts for transport. Only the most dedicated have stuck around, as the amazing stench has overpowered the beautiful and popular tourist area of Mendocino Coast. The remainders of the parts have been taken to an undisclosed location to be composted. This process will take about five years for the decomposition to happen. Thanks to a federal grant, the skeleton will then be put back together and preserved for public viewing at a local location yet to be decided on. This process will take a lot of people, and a lot of money, the work is not yet over.
Photo Credit Larry Wagner http://www.wagnerphotoart.com/
References:
Larry Wagner, Mendocino, California
Abbie Colbert, Fort Bragg, California
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091026/ARTICLES/910269915
http://mendocoastcurrent.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/noaa-boat-kills-blue-whale-off-mendocino-coast/
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091022/NEWS/910221004
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Whale
http://www.advocate-news.com/ci_13771056?source=most_viewed