A researcher has raised concerns that the recent surge of emaciated grey whales found deceased along the British Columbia coastline may signal another unusual mortality event. This year, three dead whales, including two malnourished grey whales and one minke whale believed to have fallen prey to killer whales, have washed up on Haida Gwaii.
Juan Jose Alava, a researcher at Simon Fraser University, emphasized that the discovered whales represent only a fraction of the total grey whale fatalities, indicating a more significant issue. Necropsies on the Haida Gwaii whales confirmed poor body conditions consistent with a broader trend seen across the West Coast of British Columbia and neighboring states.
The declining health of these whales has been attributed to malnutrition as they struggle to find adequate prey during migration. Alava underscored the urgent need for local authorities to address carbon emissions, as these incidents highlight the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
While there has been a notable increase in grey whale deaths since 2019, with over 200 recorded worldwide, Alava cautioned against prematurely declaring a new unusual mortality event. However, approximately 29 dead grey whales have been observed this year between British Columbia and Washington.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) reported a significant reduction in the grey whale population, dropping from around 28,000 in 2016-17 to about 13,000 currently. The DFO’s marine mammal coordinator, Paul Cottrell, expressed concern over the record-breaking pace of whale deaths in 2026, noting a distressing decline in calf production.
Collaborating with local First Nations, the DFO is conducting necropsies to understand the ongoing trend. The Haida Gwaii Watchmen, serving as guardians in Gwaii Haanas National Park, provide critical support in monitoring and responding to whale strandings. Despite these efforts, the situation remains challenging, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and intervention.
In case of encountering distressed marine mammals, the public is urged to report incidents to the designated hotline for prompt assistance.
