A recent discovery along the west coast of Vancouver Island has revealed additional instances of grey whale strandings, with the total number of deceased whales now standing at seven this year. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ marine mammal coordinator, Paul Cottrell, disclosed that two dead grey whales were reported by a hiker and a pilot over the past weekend, prompting the need for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The distressing trend began in April when four grey whales were found dead within a mere 10-day span off Vancouver Island, displaying severe emaciation. According to Cottrell, researchers attribute the fatalities to a significant scarcity of prey in the whales’ Arctic feeding habitats, leading to their malnourishment during their northward migration.
The elevated mortality rate among grey whales has become a cause for concern, with a total of 36 deceased grey whales discovered in the Pacific Ocean this year. John Calambokidis, a research biologist at Cascadia Research Collective, expressed his growing apprehension at the unexpectedly high rate of whale fatalities, emphasizing the common factor of malnutrition found in the examined carcasses.
In a worrisome development, Cascadia Research Collective confirmed 17 grey whale fatalities off the coast of Washington state, all linked to malnutrition. Calambokidis highlighted the unprecedented pace of whale deaths this year, surpassing previous records and raising concerns about the future outlook for the grey whale population.
Collaborative efforts are underway between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and partner organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington state to address the escalating mortality rates and dwindling grey whale population. Cottrell anticipates further whale strandings until June as the migration season continues, emphasizing the importance of ongoing data collection to assess the severity of the situation.
The grey whale population, currently estimated at just under 13,000, faces a critical decline, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts. Individuals witnessing distressed marine mammals are encouraged to report such incidents to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for prompt assistance.