A further increase in the number of grey whale carcasses discovered along the western coast of Vancouver Island has been recorded, with a total of seven found deceased this year. Paul Cottrell, the marine mammal coordinator at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), stated that two deceased grey whales were reported over the weekend by a hiker and a pilot. Cottrell expressed sadness at the discovery and mentioned the necessity to investigate the cause of death.
In April, a troubling trend began when four grey whales were found dead off Vancouver Island within a span of just 10 days. Cottrell described the condition of the whales as extremely emaciated, emphasizing the severity of their body condition. Researchers attribute the deaths to a significant reduction in available prey in the whales’ Arctic feeding grounds, leading to starvation as they migrate back to their feeding areas.
The discovery of additional deceased grey whales was not unexpected, following a recent surge in grey whale mortalities. Official tallies indicate that a total of 36 grey whales have been found deceased in the Pacific Ocean this year. John Calambokidis, a research biologist at Cascadia Research Collective, expressed growing concern over the rate at which dead whales are being discovered, stating that the situation is becoming increasingly alarming.
Seventeen grey whale deaths have been confirmed off the coast of Washington state this year by Cascadia Research Collective, with malnutrition identified as a common factor among the examined whales. Calambokidis highlighted the unprecedented pace at which these discoveries are occurring, indicating a heightened level of worry for the future. The year 2019 was previously noted as a troubling period for grey whale deaths, with 216 recorded during an “unusual mortality event.”
Collaboration efforts are underway between DFO and partners in California, Oregon, and Washington state to address the escalating mortality rates and declining grey whale population. Cottrell anticipates more deceased whales to be found during their migration north until June. He emphasized the importance of continued monitoring and data collection to assess the severity of the situation.
The grey whale population, estimated to be just under 13,000, has been facing a decline. Any sightings of distressed marine mammals can be reported to DFO for further assistance.