German scientists plan to test the water quality near a humpback whale that has been stranded for days in the Baltic Sea, an official said on Monday, after several attempts failed to free the animal, reported dpa.
The 12.35-metre animal has been stranded four times off Germany's Baltic coast since the beginning of March, and has so far managed to swim free on three occasions.
But last week it got stuck off Poel Island in the Bay of Wismar. Experts have said they expect the animal to die in the bay.
"The aim is to determine whether the dying animal poses a risk to the environment or public health," said Till Backhaus, environment minister in the coastal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Water samples were taken on Sunday to measure salinity, he said, promising to return to the site in the course of the day.
The whale is suffering as the waters are less saline than it would be used to at sea. The marine mammal is still breathing, but remains in a poor condition.
The state ministry is also poised to check whether the whale could be moved to deeper waters using a catamaran.
They are waiting to see an expert report, due on Tuesday, to update them on the humpback whale's state of health and chances of survival.
In the meantime, officials continue to monitor the whale and say it is breathing regularly.
"We have left no stone unturned in our efforts to help the animal and have carried out examinations on and around the whale. Tomorrow I expect to receive an up-to-date expert report following the assessment from a biological and veterinary perspective," Backhaus said.
- Water quality
- Sick whale
- Baltic
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
