Dead female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf encountered in Frederick Sound, Southeast Alaska, USA, Pacific Ocean Notice the barnacles on the throat. 56 58.01' N 134 27.2' W. Estimated length 25 feet. Polypropylene line wrapped around left pectoral fin and also in mouth. Tongue hanging out on right side. Floating belly-up. Probable cause of death is due to entanglement in long-liner fishing gear. Clearance granted from NOAA to approach for photos and to obtain skin sample (Aleria Jensen verbal per cell phone 08/30/06) .

Credit to: BluePlanetArchive / Michael S. Nolan

Image dimensions: 5400x3600