Six gray whales found dead in San Francisco Bay in just one week

In the San Francisco Bay area, an alarming increase in gray whale fatalities has occurred, with six new deaths reported within the last week alone. This tragic event has pushed the cumulative total of stranded whales in the region to 15 for the current year, prompting authorities and scientific organizations to investigate the potential causes of these deaths. Between May 21 and May 28, necropsy efforts to determine the cause of death have been complicated by logistical challenges. Advanced decomposition and difficult-to-access locations have hindered thorough post-mortem investigations for several of the cases. One dead whale, an identified subadult male, was necropsied at Kirby Cove, and while its death remains under investigation, it highlights the immediate concerns surrounding these recent fatalities. This year has seen an increase in gray whale sightings in the San Francisco Bay, with scientists confirming the sighting of 33 individual gray whales, in stark contrast to only six sightings during the entire previous year. The increased whale activity may be contributing to the rising number of strandings and deaths, with vessel strikes suspected to be the cause of three cases among the gray whale deaths. Experts from the California Academy of Sciences and the Marine Mammal Center have expressed that this cluster of deaths is reminiscent of previous Unusual Mortality Events, with the last occurrences of similar proportions noted in 2019 and 2021. In response to the rising mortality rate, these organizations are taking precautionary measures to protect the remaining whales and mitigate the risks of further deaths. Researchers are continuing to assess the situation, and while there is speculation regarding environmental changes or human activities impacting gray whale behavior, the exact reasons for the sudden increase in sightings and concurrent deaths remain unclear. The California Academy of Sciences has urged mariners to remain vigilant for whale activity while operating vessels in the bay. During this crucial period when gray whales are expected to migrate north towards their Arctic feeding grounds, the implementation of protective measures is essential to ensure their safe passage. The long-term prognosis for gray whales appears grim, especially considering the significant population decline observed from 2019 through 2023, which resulted in approximately a 45% reduction in their numbers. Observations reveal record-low calf counts along the west coast, raising alarms about the future sustainability of the species. The ongoing investigations and efforts by conservation organizations are vital to understanding and addressing the root causes of the current crises for gray whales in the San Francisco Bay.