A recent surge in dead grey whales along the west coast of Vancouver Island has brought the total to seven fatalities this year. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) marine mammal co-ordinator, Paul Cottrell, mentioned that two additional deceased grey whales were reported by a hiker and a pilot over the weekend. Cottrell expressed sadness at the discovery and emphasized the need to investigate the cause of death.
In April, four grey whales were found dead off Vancouver Island within a span of just 10 days, marking the beginning of a troubling trend. Cottrell described the whales as emaciated, highlighting the grim state of their bodies. Researchers attribute the deaths to a significant decline in available prey in the whales’ Arctic feeding grounds, resulting in starvation as they migrate back north.
The Pacific Ocean has recorded a total of 36 grey whale mortalities this year, according to official counts. John Calambokidis, a research biologist at Cascadia Research Collective, expressed surprise at the rate of dead whales being discovered, stating his growing concern over the situation. Cascadia Research Collective has confirmed 17 grey whale deaths off Washington state this year, with malnutrition being a common factor among the examined carcasses.
Calambokidis noted that the current pace of whale deaths surpasses previous years, with 2019 standing out as the worst year for grey whale fatalities during an “unusual mortality event.” The Marine Mammal Center and the California Academy of Sciences have confirmed ten grey whale deaths in the San Francisco Bay Area, while NOAA Fisheries confirmed two more off the Oregon coast. Cottrell mentioned that DFO is collaborating with partners in California, Oregon, and Washington state to address the escalating mortality rates and dwindling grey whale population.
As the migration season continues until June, Cottrell anticipates more dead whales to be discovered. Efforts are ongoing to collect samples from the deceased whales to gather data and assess the severity of the situation. The grey whale population, estimated at just under 13,000, has been facing a decline. Individuals who encounter distressed marine mammals are encouraged to report such sightings to DFO for further assistance.