Snow crab trap cut from right whale carcass on N.B. island
Right whale body was still tightly wrapped in ropes when coast guard towed it to Miscou Island
A dead North Atlantic right whale has been brought to the beaches of New Brunswick's Miscou Island, where a necropsy is expected to be performed.
The animal was tightly wrapped in heavy ropes, and deep cuts were apparent in its body, mouth, fins and blubber.
Local people who saw the whale towed by the Canadian Coast Guard said a large snow crab net had to be cut off the carcass after it was brought ashore.
A rusted snow crab trap made from rebar with cut lines sat on the beach not far from the dead whale.
Veterinary officials told CBC News that a necropsy will be performed on the animal beginning Tuesday morning.
11th dead right whale in Gulf
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans said in a release late Friday the carcass was found Friday morning off Miscou Island following a surveillance flight.
DFO said it is the 11th confirmed death of a North Atlantic right whale in the Gulf in recent months.
- DEEP TROUBLE | Disappearance of right whales from winter breeding grounds a mystery for scientists
- DEEP TROUBLE | Right whale rescuers wary in wake of death, anxious for work to resume
The dead whale appeared to be female. If confirmed, it would be at least the fifth female North Atlantic right whale found dead this season.
At least 13 other North Atlantic right whales have been found dead off the coast of the U.S. and Canada this year, prompting the U.S. government to launch an investigation into what it described as "an unusual mortality event."
An endangered species, there are an estimated 500 right whales left.
In August, Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the department would bring "absolutely every protection to bear" to prevent the deaths of North Atlantic right whales.
Days later, Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced a mandatory slowdown in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for vessels more than 20 metres in length.
Part of the snow crab fishery was also closed in an effort to save the remaining population of North Atlantic right whales.
Necropsies performed on three whales previously found in the gulf revealed that two of their deaths were a result of collisions with ships. The other died as a result of entanglement.
After an unprecedented number of deaths this summer, CBC News is bringing you an in-depth look at the endangered North Atlantic right whale. This week, in a series called "Deep Trouble," CBC explores the perils facing the right whales.