Scientists work to identify cause of death for a whale at Commencement Bay - MyNorthwest.com

Scientists are working to determine what killed a whale found decaying in Commencement Bay on Monday, with investigators saying key details still remain unclear. The Northwest Seaport Alliance said the animal was discovered on the bow of an Evergreen container ship and is being kept in a secure location until the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife can conduct a necropsy. The response began after the whale was reported around 5 a.m. Monday, involving the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network. NOAA noted that one ship reported the whale was already dead when it encountered it, while decay suggested it may have been decomposing for several days. Experts said it is likely a fin whale, though they will confirm the species and whether hemorrhaging indicates it was alive when hit.