Scientists raise red flags after observing concerning new whale behavior: 'We're seeing conditions that suggest a continuation'
According to KNKX, scientists are alarmed by the rising number of gray whale strandings along the Pacific West Coast.
So far this year, 47 gray whales have been stranded across California, Washington, and Oregon — already well above last year's total of 31, with peak migration not expected until the end of June.
Cascadia Research reports that most of the stranded whales showed signs of malnutrition, including depleted blubber oil, missing fat reserves, and empty digestive tracts.
These findings are similar to conditions that precipitated the Unusual Mortality Event monitored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries from 2018 to 2023.
With the number of sick whales and strandings today, Cascadia whale biologist John Calambokidis said in the KNKX report, "We're seeing conditions that suggest a continuation, rather than a rebound, from that mortality event."
Low blubber oil levels and malnutrition suggest that the gray whales are likely struggling to find food in the Arctic due to warming waters and melting sea ice.
With depleted fat reserves and empty stomachs, the gray whales veer off-course to feed in unexpected places like San Francisco Bay.
According to scientists, unusual behaviors like this are signs of ecosystem imbalance. Similar issues have appeared in other species, too, like mass strandings of sperm whales and atypical behaviors in killer whales.
NOAA Fisheries is monitoring the situation and plans to release updated population estimates.
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While large-scale solutions to address this may take time, individuals can still support marine health and minimize ocean-harming pollution through simple, everyday environmentally friendly choices like cutting back on single-use plastics, driving an electric vehicle, and thrift shopping.
Discussing environmental issues with family and friends and advocating ocean conservation policies can also raise awareness and encourage collective action. Conversations about pollution can help communities find ways to protect the planet together.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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