Dead fin whale spotted east of P.E.I., says DFO

A dead fin whale has been spotted during a recent aerial patrol carried out by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

The whale was located east of Prince Edward Island.

"The cause of death is unknown at this timeand the Department is determining next steps," DFO said in a statement.

• 'Unprecedented event': 6 North Atlantic right whales found dead in June

While six North Atlantic right whales have been found deadin the Gulf of St. Lawrence in June, the department said the whale seen on Friday was not one of the endangered species.

Necropsies continue

The investigation into the causes of death of the right whales continues. A necropsy on a second right whale wasexpected to beginFridaynear Norway, P.E.I.

Thenecropsyon the first whale did not provide immediate answers, but tissuesamples will be analyzed for further clues.

• 'The smell is not easy to get rid of': 1st right whale necropsy complete

The three leading possibilities for the cause of the whale's demiseare ship strike, entanglement in fishing gear, or a toxic algae bloom.

"DFO takes the protection and conservation of all marine mammals very seriously," said the department's statement. "DFO will continue to investigate the deaths of North Atlantic right whales and conduct patrols as required."

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