The whale's official cause of death has not yet been released, but scientists with Greenpeace Chile believe harmful algal bloom in the area may be responsible. A dead blue whale is not some attraction – it's an endangered species beloved by many, wildlife officials said after photos of the whale circulated online. Tourists flocked to the whale over the weekend to snap selfies and "ride" the animal. Estefanía González, oceans campaigner for Greenpeace Chile, echoed Lewis. "It's a fact that salmon farming, which is very present in the area, contaminates the water with harmful nutrients, fostering the development of red tides, or harmful algal blooms."

Source: Fox News February 21, 2018 22:56 UTC