Alert – Large Dead Marine Mammal Washed up on Masonboro Island

The Marine Mammal Stranding Network confirms that a young humpback whale washed up on Masonboro Island. It’s probably been dead for around a couple of weeks and is well along in the decomposition process. Because it is still in the intertidal area it is going to continue to send out a strong signal to sharks and other sea life in the area as lots of fluids are continuing to drain away into the surf. Large pieces are likely to continue breaking off and traveling in the nearshore and the main carcass itself may relocate at some point. It will be difficult to predict how long it will be an attractant or where it may land next.

The marine mammal folks also want to take the opportunity to pass on a couple of other things with the shark warning:

Island shorelines like Masonboro are an excellent place for the mammal to come to rest. The natural process is for animals like this to continue to feed and redistribute nutrients to the surrounding habitats.

Sharks, fish, birds, and others rely on events like this to provide food for offspring and so on.

Marine mammals are protected by federal laws even post mortem. It is illegal to take or possess any part of the animal. Nor would you want to at this point – the smell can be difficult to wash off.

Since the Marine Mammal Stranding Network already knows about it and checked things out there is no need to call it in again if you happen to see it.

Sweetwater Marketplace

New Anetik Athletic Shirts

BY: surfreports
We have just received a huge shipment of men, women, and kids Anetik athletic shirts...

Read More

Fresh batches of Sharpeyes and JS boards

BY: surfreports
Stop by the shop and check out some new models of Sharpeye and JS surfboards....

Read More

A close look at Magic Carpet Surfboards

BY: surfreports
From the industry that makes JS surfboards, Magic Carpet surfboards are high quality and range...

Read More

Dark Arts Sharpeyes are here!!!

BY: surfreports
The shop has just received a limited shipment of Sharpeye Inferno 72s and Inferno FTs...

Read More

Fresh Batch Of Sharp Eye Modern 2.5

BY: surfreports
A size run of fresh new SharpEye's arrived in the shop today, stop in and...

Read More

New Album Surfboards Have Arrived

BY: surfreports
A few new fresh Albums have arrived in the shop, swing in and check them...

Read More

Traction Pad Clearance

BY: surfreports
We've got a nice selection of clearance surf and skimboard traction pads on our wall!...

Read More

$100 Off Select Modern and Critical Slide Surfboards

BY: surfreports
If you are looking for a new mid-length to cure those summer blues this is...

Read More

IPD Sweetwater Tees are in!

BY: surfreports
We've got Long and short sleeve IPD Sweetwater shop tees in the shop now! IPD...

Read More

New JS boards in Stock!

BY: surfreports
A new shipment of JS Xero and Sub-Xero models have just arrived in the shop!...

Read More

Soft-top Restock!

BY: surfreports
Sweetwater Surf Shop recently got a new shipment of Catch Surf and Rockit soft tops...

Read More

$75 Off Selected Surf Boards

BY: surfreports
Come in the shop and check out our section of discounted boards.

Read More

FireWire Sweet Potato

BY: surfreports
Size Run of the new Sweet Potato about to be on the rack!  If you...

Read More

New Anetik X SweetWater

BY: surfreports
Insanely comfortable and lightweight. Technical outdoor products that thrive in extreme elements.  

Read More

Catch Surf 2/22/22 Sale! 30% Off!

BY: surfreports
On 2/22/22, all Catch Surf boards will be 30% off!! One day only event! Other...

Read More

WB Live Surf Marketplace

Wblivesurf Sunrise Tee Shirt (Copy)

Men’s CVC Crew Self Fabric: Combed Cotton/Poly Jersey 32 Single 145g 4.3oz 60% Combed Ring-Spun Cotton 40% Poly Neck: Set in Collar...

Shop Now

Wblivesurf Barber Shop Tee Shirt

Men’s CVC Crew Self Fabric: Combed Cotton/Poly Jersey 32 Single 145g 4.3oz 60% Combed Ring-Spun Cotton 40% Poly Neck: Set in Collar...

Shop Now

Wblivesurf Sunrise Tee Shirt

Men’s CVC Crew Self Fabric: Combed Cotton/Poly Jersey 32 Single 145g 4.3oz 60% Combed Ring-Spun Cotton 40% Poly Neck: Set in Collar...

Shop Now

Barber Shop Foamie Trucker Hat

Foamie Trucker Fabric: Foam/Nylon Mesh Visor: Precurved Shape: Casual Structured Sweatband: Cotton

Shop Now

Sunrise Foamie Trucker Hat

Foamie Trucker Fabric: Foam/Nylon Mesh Visor: Precurved Shape: Casual Structured Sweatband: Cotton

Shop Now

Local Forecast

<div style="width: 100%;"><iframe style="display: block;" src="//cdnres.willyweather.com/widget/loadView.html?id=72846" width="100%" height="520" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><a style="position: relative;text-indent: -9999em;margin: -20px 0 0 0;z-index: 1;height: 20px;display: block" href="http://www.willyweather.com/nc/new-hanover-county/wrightsville-beach.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.willyweather.com/nc/new-hanover-county/wrightsville-beach.html</a></div>