False killer whale found dead onshore

A false killer whale found dead on the shore Saturday near South Point was no stranger to marine scientists.

The female was photographed eight times from 2004-14 and was identified by its dorsal fin, said David Schofield, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine mammal response manager.

It was 13 feet long, 1,300 pounds and might have been 17 years old, he said.

The species’ Hawaii population is considered genetically distinct and endangered, with a population of about 200, Schofield said.

“You can imagine us losing a female in a population that’s only 200 is a pretty severe loss,” he said.

The false killer whale was transported by air to Hawaii Pacific University on Oahu for analysis. Schofield said the mammal might have had heart disease, which could explain its death.