FWC investigates dead shearwater found in northeast Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating after dozens of dead shearwaters were reported to the agency on beaches in northeast Florida.

According to the FWC, since June 16, there have been “approximately 30 dead shearwaters (Passerines) over Fernandina Beach, Vilano Beach and St. Augustine.”

Renee Finley said News from First Coast on Friday that she discovered “at least 10 dead or dying animals among all the seaweed that had surfaced” during her one-mile walk on Ponte Vedra Beach.

“We do not yet know the cause of death and are coordinating with partners to collect fresh carcasses and test for any diseases of concern,” FWC said in a statement to First coastal news. “Events of this kind can sometimes occur in certain weather conditions and extreme wind conditions.”

According to the FWC, the birds can live in the open ocean, but rely on wind patterns to be able to fly at sea for days. The agency does not currently know where the birds come from.

According to the FWC, the public should continue to report any sightings of dead, sick or injured shearwaters through the Mortality App or here on this website, as this information is “critically important” to researchers and staff.

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