FAQ on stranded humpback whale in the Baltic Sea

How is the stranded humpback whale currently doing?

The humpback whale is in very poor health, as confirmed through veterinary examinations. Since its first stranding near Niendorf on 23 March 2026 with an active entanglement, the whale's condition has continuously and significantly worsened.

Experts on site, as well as IFAW's marine mammal rescue team reviewing available photos and videos, have determined that the whale is significantly compromised and continues to decline based on the decreased responsiveness, activity level, and external examination.

Clearly visible is the severely damaged condition of the whale's skin, which is increasingly peeling off. This is a type of severe ulcerative dermatitis that is caused by whales spending prolonged time in low salinity environments, such as the Baltic Sea. This condition leads to systemic compromise and eventual death. Rescue attempts are not in the animal's best interest at this time because the whale will not survive due to its grave health even if it could be refloated.

The whale's condition continues to be monitored by the responsible authorities and experts. Currently, palliative care is the priority, aimed at keeping the whale's suffering as minimal as possible. Measures include regularly moistening the skin to prevent further drying and avoiding additional strain or stress for the animal. All steps are taken under close veterinary guidance, with the animal's welfare as the central focus.

Was IFAW involved in the rescue? Why can IFAW not do more for the whale?

As global experts and educators in marine mammal stranding response, IFAW offered our support with this case early on. However, there was no need for additional rescue experts on site, as renowned scientific institutions-the German Oceanographic Museum and the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW)-were already involved. For this reason, we did not actively participate in the rescue attempts.

IFAW only becomes active in rescue operations upon invitation from the responsible authorities. More experts on site do not automatically increase the chances of success. What matters most is smooth coordination and clear leadership. IFAW staff have remained in communication with the response team on-site throughout the operation.

We share the assessment of the involved scientists that the whale's health has deteriorated to such an extent that any further rescue attempts would carry a considerable risk of severe additional injuries and therefore massive animal suffering. Against this background, the options for action are extremely limited. The whale's welfare takes top priority, meaning that well-intentioned but harmful measures must be avoided.

IFAW continues to monitor the situation closely, supports ongoing professional coordination, and advocates for long-term measures that reduce risks to whales-for example, by lowering underwater noise, preventing entanglements in fishing gear, and protecting whale habitats.

What can still be done for this whale?

As sad as it is, no further life-saving measures can currently be taken. The whale lies in about 1.5 meters of water. To free itself, the water level would need to rise by approximately 60 centimeters-something current forecasts do not predict for the coming days.

Due to the current seriously compromised condition of the whale we do not believe that further rescue attempts will work and will risk additional harm. Even if rescue measures could refloat the whale, they would not get the whale into the North Sea or the Atlantic. Therefore, they are neither effective nor responsible.

Instead, we suggest the continuation of palliative care, already initiated by the authorities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Why wasn't more done earlier?

The humpback whale was first sighted in the Baltic Sea on 3 March 2026. At that time, no immediate action was required. Large whales occasionally appear in the Baltic Sea, and in many cases, they find their own way back out. For this reason, all involved initially hoped this whale would return to the open sea on its own.

After the whale first stranded near Niendorf, the situation changed completely. Extensive measures were taken to save the whale's life. A trench was dug to guide it into deeper water, which the whale used independently.

In the following days, attempts were made to guide the whale toward the North Sea. According to experts, this was likely the longest distance worldwide that a large whale has ever been guided in this manner. However, once in deeper water, the whale could no longer be guided. It repeatedly dove under escort vessels and evaded herding attempts.

The whale maneuvered into shallow waters several more times and stranded a total of four times-most recently near the island of Poel. Each new stranding weakened the whale further and reduced available rescue options.

In summary: At every point, actions were adapted to the whale's condition and expert assessments. Earlier interventions beyond what was feasible would have posed a high risk of additional suffering and were therefore unacceptable.

Can't the whale be put out of its misery more quickly?

This question has been taken very seriously and examined carefully. The responsible authorities have clarified that any form of active "euthanasia" is excluded. We share the assessment that harpooning or shooting are not options.

The guiding principle remains the whale's welfare. The goal is to avoid causing additional suffering. For this reason, only palliative care is currently being pursued.

Why would a humpback whale swim into the Baltic Sea at all? Is that normal?

Large whales occasionally enter the Baltic Sea, but so rarely that it cannot be considered normal. The exact reasons why individual humpback whales enter the Baltic Sea remain unclear.

One assumption is that whales follow fish schools from the North Sea into the Baltic Sea. Other factors may also play a role. In this case, the whale was entangled which can also cause behavior and habitat changes.

Ultimately, it remains speculation. Because large whales visit this region so infrequently, there are not enough comparable cases to draw definitive conclusions.

Why didn't the whale find its way back to the Atlantic?

Again, we do not know for certain. The Baltic Sea poses several challenges for a humpback whale: it is a shallow, enclosed sea with significant underwater noise, both of which can impair navigation.

Humpback whales are believed to navigate using Earth's magnetic field. Research also suggests they may use a sun or star compass. Acoustically, they seem to orient themselves by large-scale underwater features such as continental slopes or underwater mountains-features the Baltic Sea lacks.

The Baltic Sea is therefore largely unfamiliar terrain for a humpback whale. Usual navigation mechanisms may not function there.

Additionally, health impairment may further reduce orientation ability, though this too is uncertain.

What kind of whale is it?

The stranded animal is a humpback whale. Humpback whales are baleen whales-they have no teeth but use baleen plates to filter food from the water. Their diet consists mainly of krill and small fish.

Are humpback whales endangered?

According to the IUCN, humpback whales are currently not classified as endangered. In many regions, their populations are increasing-a success attributed to past conservation efforts. However, global numbers are still far below pre-whaling levels.

Threats to whales are rising, including underwater noise, vessel strike, climate change, pollutants, entanglement in fishing gear, and digestion of marine plastic, all of which could reverse positive trends.

What can people do to help whales?

Key actions to help whales and marine wildlife include reducing marine pollution:

• Less plastic waste in oceans
• Removing lost fishing gear and reducing the amount of fishing gear at sea
• Significantly lowering underwater noise from shipping
• Restricting extremely loud activities such as seismic surveys

All these measures help improve living conditions and reduce risks for whales.

What does IFAW do to protect whales and prevent future strandings?

IFAW's mission is to make the oceans a safe habitat for whales and all marine life. In Germany and worldwide, we work to:

• Reduce underwater noise
• Prevent entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris
• Reduce ship strikes
• End commercial whaling

Through this long-term conservation work, we aim to reduce risks and prevent similar incidents in the future.