In British Columbia, a concerning pattern of emaciated grey whales washing ashore may signal the onset of an unusual mortality event, as indicated by a researcher. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) reported three deceased whales on Haida Gwaii recently, including two malnourished grey whales and one minke whale believed to have fallen victim to killer whale predation.
Juan Jose Alava, a researcher at Simon Fraser University, expressed apprehension, stating that the current instances might just be the beginning of a more significant issue. He emphasized that the discovered carcasses represent only a fraction of the total grey whale deaths, with many perishing at sea without reaching the shores.
The DFO confirmed through necropsies that the condition of the stranded grey whales aligns with the deteriorating health trend observed across the west coast of British Columbia, Washington state, Oregon, and California. The whales’ poor body condition suggests malnutrition, a consequence of reduced prey availability as they migrate northward.
Alava underscored that the plight of the grey whales serves as a warning about the detrimental effects of climate change on ocean health. While over 29 dead grey whales have been spotted along the B.C. and Washington state coasts this year, it remains uncertain if a formal unusual mortality event declaration will be made.
The DFO highlighted a drastic decline in the grey whale population, dropping from approximately 28,000 in 2016-17 to around 13,000 presently. Calf production has hit an all-time low this year, exacerbating concerns about the species’ survival.
Collaborating with local First Nations, particularly the Haida Gwaii Watchmen, the DFO is conducting thorough investigations to understand these trends. The Watchmen play a crucial role in reporting whale strandings and providing assistance, reflecting the collective effort to monitor and address the situation.
For those encountering distressed marine mammals, reporting incidents to the dedicated hotline at 1-800-465-4336 is encouraged. The ongoing challenges faced by grey whales underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts and climate action to safeguard marine ecosystems.