The death of a killer whale caught in fishing gear off the north coast is being seen as a great research opportunity for scientists.

A necropsy is being conducted on the massive animal, estimated to be 4.3 tonnes.

DFO research scientist Dr. Jack Lawson says samples are being taken from the carcass to learn more about the elusive creatures.

Pods of killer whales have been spotted all along the coast of Newfoundland in recent months. A man from Salmon Cove caught some amazing video of the predatory creatures over the summer in Conception Bay.

The killer whale is the largest member of the dolphin family and is found all around the world. Little is known however about the Northwest Atlantic/Eastern Arctic population.

DFO NL team trying to get last samples from the killer whale. What dedication! pic.twitter.com/ZzbSCL8frv

— Dr. Jack Lawson (@drjwlawson) October 3, 2019