Hello:
Who decided that it was OK to bury the whale at OB? Why didn't they blow it up with dynamite like last time (to speed up decomposition, thus reducing the amount of time the smell is there).

Even better, couldn't the whale have been dragged out by a towboat and blown up?

GGNRA has a full-time staff devoted to water rescue, yet they bury a whale at OB, setting up time release shark bait in an area that is known to be popular to surfers.

I am VERY unhappy about this.

Sincerely,
Tom E.
San Francisco

Dear Tom,
I must admit that any of your suggestions would have probably better served the ocean user community at Ocean Beach, as opposed to the action that was taken. I can appreciate in these difficult economic times that it is more expedient, and fiscally responsible, to use the beach as a makeshift grave for the two marine mammals that washed ashore. However, some thought should have been given to the potential danger that could arise from this decision.

It might have been more prudent, although certainly more expensive, to have towed the deceased animals 15 or more miles out to sea, rather than bury them on the beach. Decomposition of tissue and body fluids can leach into the sand and then be carried out to the 'surf zone' and beyond with incoming tides. Although, white sharks are sighted occasionally off Ocean Beach, the frequency of these current sightings would seem to surpass what would be considered a 'norm.'

As to the proper methods of disposing of a protected marine mammal, the California Department of Fish & Game, and other State and Federal agencies could provide some legal guidelines. If it is possible to legally exhume the two marine mammals, a burial at sea might be more appropriate, and probably safer for those using Ocean Beach for recreation. To raise the funds necessary to accomplish this task, I might suggest Surfrider or some similar organization with a strong affinity with the surfing community and its participants' safety.

I understand your concerns and frustrations. I commented about the potential hazards these 'beach graves' could create in the waters surrounding Ocean Beach several weeks ago. I hope this situation can be equitable resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned. If I can be of assistance to you, please don't hesitate in contacting me.

Sincerely yours,
Ralph S. Collier
Shark Research Committee

Check out this story & movie of the Oregon State Highway Division using dynamite to remove a whale carcass http://www.perp.com/whale/barry.html.

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