A recent discovery has raised concerns as additional gray whales have washed up lifeless along the western coast of Vancouver Island, bringing the total count to seven fatalities this year. Paul Cottrell, the marine mammal coordinator at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), shared that two dead gray whales were reported by a hiker and pilot over the weekend. Cottrell expressed sadness at the new findings and emphasized the need to investigate the cause of these deaths.
Back in April, four gray whales were found deceased on Vancouver Island within a span of just 10 days, marking the beginning of a troubling trend. Cottrell described the condition of the whales as emaciated, highlighting the severity of the situation. 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 count of gray whales found dead in the Pacific Ocean this year has reached 36 according to official records. John Calambokidis, a research biologist at Cascadia Research Collective, expressed surprise at the rate at which dead whales are being discovered, stating his growing concern over the situation. Cascadia Research Collective has confirmed 17 gray whale fatalities off Washington state this year, with malnutrition being a common factor among the examined whales.
Calambokidis noted that the current rate of whale deaths surpasses previous years, raising worries about the ongoing trend. The collaboration between DFO and partners in California, Oregon, and Washington state aims to address the escalating mortality rates and declining whale population. As the migration season continues until June, more deceased whales are expected to be found, prompting ongoing efforts to gather data and assess the severity of the situation.
The gray whale population, estimated at just under 13,000, has been decreasing, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Individuals witnessing distressed marine mammals are encouraged to report such sightings to the DFO for further assistance.