Whale carcass removed from Salt Marsh area

The whale carcass on which a shark was filmed feasting in a viral video was successfully removed from the nearshore area at Salt Marsh, Trelawny, and towed offshore yesterday.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) announced that the operation was conducted by boat captains and crews contracted by the entity. The intervention was undertaken to remove the carcass from the vicinity of the shoreline and reduce the potential for interactions between members of the public and sharks or other marine scavengers attracted to the remains.

NEPA said that following the operation, the contracted captains conducted a follow-up check of the area for any residual whale remains. They reported that no remains were visible at the surface at the time of their inspection. NEPA, however, advised members of the public to continue exercising caution and to observe the precautionary measures outlined in a previous advisory until further guidance is provided.

“Persons should avoid entering the affected waters and should not approach, feed, provoke, throw objects at, or otherwise interfere with marine wildlife,” the agency reiterated.

“Members of the public are also reminded that marine wildlife, including sharks and marine mammals, should be observed from a safe distance and should not be handled or disturbed.”

NEPA urged that any subsequent sighting of a marine mammal carcass or associated remains near the coastline should be reported promptly to the agency, providing the location and photographs, where these can be obtained safely.

“Members of the public should not attempt to handle, move or otherwise relocate any remains,” NEPA warned.

NEPA thanked the contracted boat captains and crews for their assistance with the operation and members of the public for their cooperation. The agency said it remains committed to responsive environmental management, the protection of Jamaica’s wildlife and the timely provision of clear, accurate information to the public.