In recent days, six dead gray whales have been discovered around San Francisco Bay, raising concerns among officials. From May 21 to this past Wednesday, the whales stranded included a yearling found at Bolinas and two others discovered on Alcatraz and Point Bonita on the same day. While partial necropsies have been conducted, results remain inconclusive, leaving the cause of death uncertain. This year has seen a notable increase in both live sightings and dead whales, with 33 gray whale sightings reported compared to only six in 2024.
The California Academy of Sciences highlighted that 14 gray whales and one minke whale have died in the greater San Francisco Bay Area this year, with three confirmed fatalities due to boat strikes. Current uncertainties pertain to both the deaths and the rise in sightings. A spokesperson from the Marine Mammal Center questioned why there are so many deceased whales and why sightings are at a two-decade high.
Researchers continue to explore potential reasons for this spike in gray whale activity, especially as the whales prepare for their annual migration to Arctic feeding grounds, expected to continue for about one to two more weeks. Historically, gray whales have been prevalent throughout the Northern Hemisphere, though they are now primarily located in the North Pacific. Their impressive 10,000-mile annual migration exposes them to threats such as vessel collisions and entanglement in fishing nets. Gray whales can reach lengths of approximately 49 feet and weigh around 90,000 pounds, contributing to their appeal in whale-watching activities.
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