The occurrence of deceased emaciated grey whales washing up on the coast of British Columbia this year may indicate another unusual mortality event, according to a researcher’s caution. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) reported three dead whales, two malnourished grey whales, and one minke whale, washing up on Haida Gwaii in the past month. The minke whale is believed to have perished due to a killer whale predation incident. One grey whale was discovered deceased in Tlell on May 30, and another in Naikoon six days earlier.
Juan Jose Alava, a researcher and professor at Simon Fraser University’s School of Resource and Environmental Management, expressed concern, stating that the recent discoveries might just be the beginning of a larger issue. Alava, who specializes in studying the impact of pollutants on marine mammals, highlighted that the current findings represent only a fraction of the actual number of grey whale deaths, as many carcasses never reach the shores.
The DFO confirmed that both grey whales found on Haida Gwaii underwent necropsies, revealing poor body conditions consistent with a trend seen along the west coast of British Columbia and neighboring states. The whales’ malnutrition is attributed to a lack of prey in the Arctic during their migration. Alava emphasized the urgent need for local governments to take action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in response to the whales’ distress, stating that they serve as indicators of the effects of climate change on ocean health.
Although a significant increase in grey whale deaths has been observed since 2019, with over 200 fatalities globally, Alava noted that it is premature to declare another unusual mortality event at this time. However, approximately 29 dead grey whales have been documented between B.C. and Washington state this year alone, raising concerns about the situation in other regions like Mexico, Oregon, and California.
The DFO reported that the current year has seen the most grey whale deaths in B.C., with nine already discovered, surpassing the previous record of 11 in a year. Marine mammal co-ordinator Paul Cottrell highlighted a drastic decline in the grey whale population, dropping from around 28,000 in 2016-17 to approximately 13,000. Cottrell expressed concern about the record-setting pace of whale deaths and the lowest calf production levels ever recorded.
Working closely with local First Nations, the DFO is conducting necropsies in collaboration with groups like the Haida Gwaii Watchmen, who provide valuable assistance and knowledge due to their presence in remote areas. Cottrell emphasized the importance of understanding and monitoring the trend despite the sadness of the situation, hoping for a positive change in the future.
If encountering a dead, injured, tangled, or distressed marine mammal, individuals are encouraged to report it to the incident hotline at 1-800-465-4336.