A rally is planned for this Sunday at Point Pleasant Beach near Jenkinson’s Aquarium after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released preliminary findings of a dead whale found in Manasquan on Monday.

Officials from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society say there is evidence of a vessel strike on the ninth whale to wash up dead on New Jersey and New York beaches since December.

According to the report released by NOAA, the 34-foot-long juvenile was in good body condition. There were no external signs of trauma, however, internal analysis showed evidence of a vessel strike. The results of the tissue analysis will help determine if the vessel strike occurred before or after death.

Several whales have washed ashore since December, prompting response from local and state lawmakers who are pointing fingers at offshore wind farm research. Twelve mayors have called for a pause on that activity in a letter sent two weeks ago to members of Congress from New Jersey. Most recently, two congressmen from New Jersey have responded.

"The Biden Administration and Gov. Murphy continue to ignore the resounding calls for an investigation to address the historic surge of dead whales while offshore wind development ramps up off our beaches,” Congressman Chris Smith said.

“I demand a windmill construction moratorium on these projects until we determine what these lasting impacts are,” Congressman Jeff Van Drew said.

Some environmental groups say there is no connection linking this activity to the whale deaths. Whale sightings have been increasing over the years off New Jersey - now seen year-round in part due to their abundant food source of bait fish.

The Save The Whales rally will be held on the boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach and is scheduled on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m.