East Hampton Trustees Struggle with Problem Whales

In years past, East Enders were thrilled to see a passing whale—they would row out and harpoon it, making money off the harvest. But with the whale oil and baleen markets low these days (OK, fine, also the whales are protected), a dead or injured whale is now an expensive problem. A whale that washed up in Napeague in January cost East Hampton $7500 to dispose of. The town trustees are now formulating a policy for dealing with beached whales and a fund to care for stricken whales, money to euthanize them if needed, and pay for their disposal.
· Trustees Plan Protocol for Stranded Whales [EH Star]