Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is currently investigating the death of another grey whale in British Columbia (B.C.). The discovery of a deceased grey whale on a remote Haida Gwaii beach on May 24 has prompted the deployment of the DFO’s marine mammal response team to the area for sample collection and cause of death determination.
The recent finding brings the total number of grey whales found dead in B.C. to eight this year, indicating a concerning rise in mortality within the population, potentially due to starvation. Paul Cottrell, the DFO marine mammal co-ordinator, disclosed this information during a webinar organized by the Marine Education and Research Society, shedding light on the distressing situation of the grey whales.
Cottrell expressed alarm at the escalating number of deaths, hinting that the actual fatalities could be higher due to the vast coastline and remoteness of certain areas, making it challenging to account for all deceased whales. The current year’s death toll might surpass the worst recorded year in 2019 when 11 dead grey whales were documented in B.C., with four whales already responded to off the west coast of Vancouver Island within a span of ten days.
The necropsy findings from these incidents are anticipated to take around a month for analysis. Researchers attribute the whales’ demise to starvation during their northward migration to feeding sites, with a decrease in prey availability in the Arctic believed to be the primary cause of the fatalities.
The grey whale population, estimated at slightly under 13,000, has been dwindling, with 40 grey whale deaths recorded in B.C. since 2019. The year 2019 marked a significant spike globally, with 216 grey whale mortalities reported, leading to the declaration of an unusual mortality event.
Furthermore, Jackie Hildering from the Marine Education and Research Society is advocating for the classification of all grey whales as endangered species in Canada to ensure their protection. This would enable crucial legislative measures, including research funding and educational initiatives, to safeguard the species.
