Record Number of Dead Whales Washing Up on West Coast: What to Know
Summary
A record number of dead gray whales have been found along the Pacific Northwest coast in the spring, with 16 strandings reported in Washington and several in Oregon. Researchers say the whales are starving due to a collapsing Arctic food chain and changing ocean conditions caused by climate change.Key Facts
- Sixteen dead gray whales were found in Washington by late April, the highest number in fifty years.
- Additional whale strandings have occurred in Oregon, including a Baird’s beaked whale.
- Gray whales depend on fat gained from Arctic feeding, but warming waters and ice loss are reducing their food supply.
- The gray whale population in the Eastern North Pacific dropped from about 27,000 in 2019 to 13,000 in 2023 during an unusual mortality event.
- Many stranded whales show signs of malnutrition; some had injuries from boat strikes or fishing gear.
- Strong west winds have pushed more carcasses and debris onto beaches.
- The migration of northbound gray whales continues through May, with more strandings expected.
- Authorities urge the public to report stranded or distressed whales but to stay away for safety reasons.
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