Around 100 marine mammals washed up on the Belgian coast in 2024

In 2024, around 100 marine mammals washed up on the Belgian coast, including 36 harbour porpoises, 72 seals, and one young minke whale. Harbour porpoise strandings continue to decline, with 2024 marking the second-lowest number in 22 years. The cause of this decrease remains unknown, though fewer porpoises were observed in Belgian waters overall. Seal strandings have increased, reaching the second-highest count in 30 years. This rise is linked to growing populations in nearby countries. The minke whale that stranded in Ostend in May 2024 was very young and believed to have died from starvation after losing its mother. Although non-porpoise cetacean sightings remain rare, 2024 saw unusual observations including two live humpback whales, several dolphins, and another minke whale off the Belgian coast.