More grey whales have been discovered deceased along the western coast of Vancouver Island, bringing the total number of found dead whales to seven this year. Paul Cottrell, the marine mammal coordinator at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), mentioned that two dead grey whales were reported by a hiker and a pilot over the weekend. Cottrell expressed sadness at the discovery of these two additional deceased whales and emphasized the importance of investigating the cause.
In April, a concerning trend began when four grey whales washed up dead off Vancouver Island within a span of just 10 days. Describing the whales as being in a severely emaciated state, Cottrell highlighted the distressing body condition of the animals. Researchers attribute the deaths to a significant decrease in available prey in the whales’ Arctic feeding grounds, leading to starvation as they migrate back north.
A total of 36 grey whale carcasses have been found in the Pacific Ocean this year, as reported by officials. John Calambokidis, a research biologist at Cascadia Research Collective, expressed surprise at the rate of dead whale discoveries, stating that he is growing increasingly alarmed. Cascadia Research Collective confirmed that 17 grey whales have been found deceased off Washington state this year, with malnutrition being a common factor among the examined whales.
Calambokidis noted that the current pace of whale deaths is unprecedented, raising concerns about the future. The previous record for grey whale deaths occurred in 2019 during an “unusual mortality event” when 216 grey whales were found dead. Collaborating with partners in California, Oregon, and Washington state, the DFO is actively monitoring the situation and hoping to prevent further increases in mortality rates and declines in the whale population.
As the grey whale population continues to decline, currently estimated at just under 13,000, Cottrell anticipates more deceased whales to be discovered as they migrate north until June. He emphasized the importance of reporting any distressed marine mammals to the DFO for assistance.