Ship strikes: Collisions with large vessels are a leading cause of death for whales, and it's likely that some of the whales found dead along the East Coast were killed by ship strikes.

Fishing gear: Whales can also become entangled in fishing gear, which can drown them or cause them to develop serious injuries.

Habitat loss: The loss of habitat due to coastal development, pollution, and other human activities can also contribute to whale deaths.

Climate change: Climate change is also having a negative impact on whales, causing changes in their food supply and migration patterns. This can make them more vulnerable to disease and predation.