The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are monitoring a whale carcass floating about four to five miles off Windward Oahu, DLNR said Thursday.

Fishermen reported seeing a 30- to 40-foot sperm whale carcass Wednesday night.

DLNR is asking the public to report any sightings of the carcass by calling the NOAA marine mammal hotline at 888-256-9840 or Coast Guard Channel 16.

DLNR is making plans to deal with the carcass whether it is handled at sea or washes ashore.

Early reporting allows the agencies to tow a floating carcass away from the islands, making for a much easier and less expensive removal, said David Schofield, 0 Regional Marine Mammal Health and Response Program manager.