Costa Maya, Q.R. — What remains of a whale carcass was reported off a Costa Maya area Monday morning. Local fishermen made the report to authorities after seeing the remains of the body grounded offshore.
The carcass was found washed up a few meters from shore off Playa Xahuayxol, an area approximately half way between Mahahual and Xcalak in Costa Maya.
In a social media post Monday, Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak reported “Notice to the public: Regarding the current report of the stranding of a marine mammal near Xcalak Reefs National Park.
“For your safety and to avoid public health risks, it is recommended not to approach or touch the specimen. Environmental authorities PROFEPA, CONANP, SEMAR and specialists from the Southern Quintana Roo Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network are already coordinating the necessary actions to address the incident.
“We appreciate the community’s support in maintaining social distancing and allowing specialized personnel to work.”
Personnel from the Federal Attorney’s Office for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), the Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR), and specialists from the Southern Quintana Roo Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network responded to the finding.
The carcass has been reported to be the remains of a sperm whale of approximately seven to eight meters in length. Last year, the body of a newborn sperm whale was found washed up near the same area as the latest finding Monday.
