A recent discovery has revealed more deceased grey whales along the western coast of Vancouver Island, bringing the total count to seven fatalities this year. Reports from a hiker and a pilot led Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) marine mammal co-ordinator Paul Cottrell to the two dead grey whales found over the weekend.
Cottrell expressed sorrow over the new findings, emphasizing the need to investigate the cause of these deaths. The distressing trend began in April when four grey whales were discovered dead on Vancouver Island within a span of just 10 days. Describing the condition of the animals, Cottrell noted their emaciated state, likening them to “a bag of bones.”
Experts attribute the spike in grey whale deaths to a severe lack of prey in their Arctic feeding grounds. As the whales journey back north to their feeding areas, they are reportedly succumbing to starvation. Cottrell acknowledged the expected nature of these incidents following a recent surge in grey whale fatalities.
According to official records, a total of 36 grey whales have been found deceased in the Pacific Ocean this year. Research biologist John Calambokidis of Cascadia Research Collective expressed growing concern over the alarming rate at which dead whales are being discovered, particularly in Washington state where 17 grey whale fatalities have been confirmed, all exhibiting signs of malnutrition.
Calambokidis highlighted the unprecedented pace of these deaths, surpassing previous years’ numbers, with 2019 marking a record year for grey whale fatalities. Additional reports from the Marine Mammal Center and the California Academy of Sciences revealed 10 grey whale deaths in the San Francisco Bay Area and two off the Oregon coast. Collaboration among DFO and partner agencies in California, Oregon, and Washington aims to address the escalating mortality rates and declining grey whale population.
As the migration season continues until June, Cottrell anticipates more deceased whales to be discovered. Efforts are underway to gather more data through sampling and analysis to better understand the severity of the situation. With the grey whale population estimated at just under 13,000 and facing a decline, vigilance and reporting of distressed marine mammals to DFO remain crucial.