The death toll of gray whales off the coast of Washington is increasing as changes in the Arctic ecosystem disrupt food supplies.
Seattle — Gray whale death toll continues to rise Researchers say the increase in strandings may reflect worsening changes in Arctic ecosystems.
Researchers have recorded 21 gray whale deaths in Washington state so far this year, already one of the highest death totals on record, said John Calambokitis, founder and research biologist at Cascadia Research Group.
“We’ve seen record numbers of gray whales wash up dead, what we call strandings,” Kalambokidis said. “So far this year, we’re up to 21, just in Washington state, and that’s just gray whales.”
The previous record was set in 2019, when 35 gray whale strandings were reported across the state. However, Karambokidis said the number of deaths recorded at this time this year already exceeds what researchers have seen during the same period in a record year.
Researchers estimate gray whale populations may now be about half what they were a decade ago. Calf birth rates are low and mortality rates have increased for several years, fueling concerns about the future of the species.
Kalambokidis said many of the whales found dead appeared to be severely malnourished. Gray whales typically fast as they migrate from their breeding grounds in Mexico to feeding areas in the Arctic, but researchers say many no longer find enough food to survive the journey.
Researchers believe the root of the problem lies in the Arctic, where climate-driven ecosystem changes are altering the whales’ primary feeding grounds.
“Arctic ecosystems have changed quite dramatically over the past 20 to 30 years due to climate change,” Calambokitis said. “There used to be a lot of prey, and now there’s a lot less prey.”
As food becomes harder to find, gray whales are increasingly venturing into unusual locations in search of feeding grounds. Some have found their way into bays, rivers and heavily trafficked waterways, where they face additional dangers, including boat strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
Researchers have also observed some whales finding alternative feeding areas, including a pod known as the Sounders that feed in Puget Sound, Kalambokidis said. These whales appear to be doing better than the more numerous whales that hunt in the Arctic.
Still, the long-term outlook remains uncertain.
“Unfortunately, the future is uncertain,” Karabokiitis said. “We don’t yet understand all the mechanisms and processes involved.”
Researchers encourage the public to report stranded whales and avoid getting too close to them. Calambokitis said people should keep their distance, keep pets away and if they encounter a whale on shore, notify local authorities or NOAA’s Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline.
Each report helps researchers gather critical information, including signs of disease, ship strikes, entanglements and environmental contaminants, scientists said.
