Photo: Roland Lizarondo
A few days ago, a massive 60,000-pound gray whale washed ashore at one of California’s premier surf spots. Multitudes of curious folks made the long trek down to Lower Trestles, hoping to get a glimpse of this very rare sight (and maybe take a selfie with it). Others watched attentively on the live web cam. But the only thing more unsettling than seeing the gigantic, lifeless creature up close was the uncertainty of what exactly officials were planning on doing with it. Today, California State Parks reached a decision.
Contract workers are scheduled today to chop up the 60,000-pound rotting carcass before loading it onto a truck and hauling to meet its final resting place in a landfill in San Diego.
“We’re really wanting to encourage people to please stay away so we can do the work as expediently as possible, without having to stop for interference from the public,” State Park Superintendent, Rich Haydon, told the OC Register.
As grisly as the plans sounds, experts insist it is indeed the most appropriate. The alternative option of towing the whale back out to sea was thrown out after the particularly low tides this week kept the water from reaching the decaying carcass. Burying it was evidently challenging because of the cobblestones surrounding the area.
Of course, many people are also worried about the presence of the whale’s oils and blood seeping into the ocean, potentially attracting sharks to the region. Competitors and directors are worried about several upcoming contests, including the WSA West Coast Championship at Churches, the Volcom Totally Crustaceous Tour International Championships at Lowers in mid-June, and the USA Surfing Championships at Lowers shortly after.
It’s extremely difficult to say whether the whale’s presence will attract sharks, but the director of Surfing America, Greg Crusee, explained the state parks has a drone that will be useful in keeping a close eye out in the lineup. Additionally, Cruse said he hasn’t heard of any shark sightings in the area in recent days. “Everything I’ve read is that there’s nothing to be alarmed about.”
Still, it’s probably a good idea to exercise caution while surfing around the area in the coming weeks.
