An increasing number of grey whales have been discovered deceased along the western coast of Vancouver Island, with the current count reaching seven for this year. Paul Cottrell, the marine mammal coordinator for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), stated that two dead grey whales were reported by a hiker and a pilot over the weekend. Cottrell expressed sadness over the situation and emphasized the need to investigate the cause of these additional deaths.
In April, a concerning trend began when four grey whales were found dead off Vancouver Island within just 10 days, showing signs of severe emaciation. Researchers attribute the deaths to a significant drop in available prey in the whales’ Arctic feeding grounds, leading to starvation as they migrate back north.
The total number of grey whales found deceased in the Pacific Ocean this year has reached 36, according to official counts. John Calambokidis, a research biologist at Cascadia Research Collective, expressed surprise at the rate of whale mortalities, stating growing alarm at the situation. The collective confirmed 17 dead grey whales in Washington state this year, all exhibiting signs of malnutrition.
Calambokidis highlighted the unprecedented pace of whale deaths compared to previous years, raising concerns about the future. In 2019, during an “unusual mortality event,” 216 grey whales were recorded dead, marking the worst year for such incidents. The Marine Mammal Center and the California Academy of Sciences confirmed 10 grey whale deaths in the San Francisco Bay Area, and NOAA Fisheries reported two dead grey whales off the Oregon coast this year.
Collaborating with partners in California, Oregon, and Washington state, DFO is actively monitoring the situation and hoping to prevent further mortality and population decline. Cottrell anticipates more dead whales to be discovered as they continue their migration northward until June, emphasizing the importance of collecting data to assess the severity of the situation.
The grey whale population, estimated to be just under 13,000, has been dwindling. Individuals witnessing distressed marine mammals are encouraged to report their sightings to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for appropriate action.