Researchers express concern over the recent surge in emaciated grey whale carcasses appearing on the British Columbia coastline signaling a potential unusual mortality event. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) reported the discovery of three deceased whales on Haida Gwaii, including two malnourished grey whales and one minke whale, likely killed by a killer whale. The bodies of the grey whales found in Tlell and Naikoon displayed poor health conditions, indicating malnutrition, consistent with similar cases observed this year.
Juan Jose Alava, a researcher from Simon Fraser University specializing in marine mammal pollutants, believes these findings are just the beginning, with only a fraction of the total grey whale deaths reaching shorelines. The DFO confirmed through necropsies that the whales’ condition reflects a wider trend seen along the West Coast, attributing the starvation to diminished prey availability in the Arctic during migration.
Alava emphasized the critical role of grey whales as indicators of climate change impacts on ocean health. While a significant increase in grey whale deaths has been noted since 2019, the current situation, with about 29 dead grey whales spotted between B.C. and Washington state, raises concerns. Although it is too early to declare an unusual mortality event, Alava stressed the importance of monitoring the situation, with uncertainties regarding the death toll in Mexico and other coastal areas.
DFO’s marine mammal co-ordinator, Paul Cottrell, highlighted the alarming decline in grey whale numbers, with this year’s discoveries already surpassing previous records. Calf production has also hit a record low. Collaborating with local First Nations, including the Haida Gwaii Watchmen, DFO is conducting necropsies to understand the situation better. Despite efforts to investigate and address the issue, the outlook remains bleak. If encountering distressed marine mammals, the public is urged to report incidents promptly to the hotline at 1-800-465-4336.