By Burak Milli
HATAY, Turkey (AA) - A 12 meter (39 foot) sperm whale washed ashore in southern Turkey late Tuesday.
The endangered species was discovered by locals in Arsuz district of Hatay province.
“It is difficult to find out now why the whale died,” Cemal Turan, a marine science professor from Iskenderun Technical University, told Anadolu Agency. “An autopsy is needed for this.”
He added: “The whale is very valuable in commercial terms. This species is endangered due to fishing.”
Sperm whales, which can reach up to 20 meters, are usually found in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.