PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. — With dozens of stranded gray whales found on Washington shores this year, NOAA Fisheries is running out of places to take them, and it’s hoping others will follow a Port Townsend couple’s lead and house the carcass’ at their waterfront properties as they decompose.
NOAA says the couple, which volunteers at the local Marine Science Center, offered up their rocky beach because they thought it would be “interesting” to watch the 40-foot whale get recycled back into the ecosystem.
They also say they understand some homeowners’ reluctance, but assure them that the smell is not too bad.
The Fisheries Stranding Team is also testing out hydrated lime in hopes of expediting decomposition and masking the smell.
If you’d like to offer space for the dead animals, you should contact Michael Milstein at michael.milstein@noaa.gov or 503-231-6268.