Snow crab trap cut from right whale carcass on N.B. island

Adead North Atlantic right whale has been brought to the beaches of New Brunswick's Miscou Island, where a necropsy is expected to be performed.

The animal was tightly wrapped in heavy ropes, and deep cuts were apparentinits body, mouth, fins and blubber.

Local peoplewho sawthe whale towed by the Canadian Coast Guard said a large snow crab net had to be cut off the carcassafter it was brought ashore.

A rusted snow crab trap made from rebar with cut lines sat on the beach not far from the dead whale.

Veterinary officialstold CBC News that a necropsy will be performed on the animal beginningTuesdaymorning.

11thdead right whale in Gulf

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans said in a release late Friday the carcass was found Friday morning offMiscouIsland following a surveillance flight.

DFO said it is the11thconfirmed death of a North Atlantic right whalein the Gulf in recent months.

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The dead whale appeared to be female. If confirmed, it would be at least the fifth female North Atlantic right whalefound dead this season.

At least 13 other North Atlantic right whaleshave been found dead off the coast of the U.S. and Canada this year, promptingthe U.S. government to launchan investigationinto what it described as"an unusual mortality event."

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An endangered species, there are an estimated 500 right whales left.

In August, FisheriesMinisterDominic LeBlanc said the department would bring"absolutely every protection to bear"to prevent the deaths of North Atlantic right whales.

Days later, Transport Minister Marc Garneau announcedamandatory slowdownin the Gulf of St. Lawrence for vessels more than 20 metres in length.

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Part of the snow crab fishery was also closed in aneffortto save the remaining population ofNorth Atlantic right whales.

Necropsiesperformed on three whalespreviously found in the gulf revealedthat two of their deaths were a result of collisions with ships.The other died as a resultofentanglement.

After an unprecedentednumber of deaths this summer, CBC News is bringing you an in-depth look at the endangered North Atlantic right whale. This week, in a series called "Deep Trouble," CBC explores the perils facing the right whales.