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| Investigating Into Removal of Parts From Dead Whale Near Newport | ||
| 05/29/2007 | ||
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Sergeant Todd Thompson OSP Fish & Wildlife Division - Newport Office: (541) 265-5354 Cell: (541) 270-5478 Photograph link valid for 30 days - Source: Oregon State Police http://www.flashnews.net/images/news/whale.jpg Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division troopers working in conjunction with the NOAA Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement are investigating the illegal removal of parts for a dead beached whale near Seal Rock. On the morning of May 27, 2007 a deceased Gray Whale was beached near Seal Rock. The whale had been floating deceased near the shore of Newport for a couple days. After the whale beached, a Marine Mammal Stranding Network Coordinator arrived on scene and documented statistics. The whale was determined to be a 41-foot female between the ages of 5 10 years old. Since Sunday, the baleen from the right jaw had been completely removed, as well as parts of the body and skin. Taking of marine mammal parts is a federal crime. Special Agent Alberto Pena from NOAA Fisheries Enforcement, in cooperation with the Oregon State Police, have been conducting an on-going investigation on any information regarding the apprehension of the persons involved in this crime. The Marine Mammal Stranding Network has since provided employees and volunteers at the whale site to educate and inform local residents and tourists about the whale. Oregon State Parks is working on a plan to remove and/or bury the whale, which will take place in the next few days. If anyone has any information regarding the taking of these mammal parts, please contact the Oregon State Police tip-line at 1-800-452-7888. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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