By Brian Gilliland

REHOBOTH BEACH — A fin whale, or a finback whale, that beached on Sunday morning south of the Indian River Life-Saving Station in Delaware Seashore State Park did not survive, Nikki LaVoie, chief communications officer for DNREC confirmed Monday.

“DNREC’s marine mammal response partner, the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, attended the whale in consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration” Ms. LaVoie said.

The scientists responding to the scene reported the animal had little chance of recovery and was in the process of expiring, Ms. LaVoie confirmed.

These officials remained onsite through Monday. Natural resources police are enforcing a perimeter of 150 feet from the animal, whether walking or by vessel.

Police and DNREC officials urged people to keep clear of the area, especially the dunes, since crossing them could lead to a fine, Ms. LaVoie said.

Fin whales can get to more than 80 feet long, and can weigh more than 150,000 pounds, with a long, slender body. They are found all over the world, with two subspecies: one located in the northern Atlantic Ocean and one in the southern hemisphere.

They feed on smaller schooling fish, squid or crustaceans, including krill. Because of its size, it was a popular whaling target. Genetic studies have shown fin whales and blue whales often crossbreed due to low numbers, and produce viable, fertile offspring.

Male fin whales have a mean length of about 70 feet, with females being a bit larger and heavier generally at around 72 feet long. Baby fin whales wean from their mothers at around six or seven months of age and around 39 feet long.

No age or gender for the beached animal has been released.

No plans for the carcass have been confirmed.