Blue Whale Carcass Returns to Malibu Coast

BY ANNE SOBLE

The rotting carcass of a 60-plus ton blue whale, an endangered species, was towed 20 miles out to sea after it returned to the Malibu coastline for the second time in a week.

Once again, county lifeguards moved rapidly before the rancid remains had an effect on nearby residents. If the hulk does not sink, officials may reconsider a decision not to weigh it down.

The dead whale first appeared in the Santa Barbara Channel and was brought ashore in Ventura County for a necropsy.

Scientists determined that this whale and two others were victims of ship strikes in recent weeks, prompting a call from marine environmentalists to implement a temporary speed limit in shipping lanes until the hundred or more blues now in the channel area have moved on.

A special whale alert has been issued to all seafaring vessels, but no official action has been taken on the issue of ship speeds.