New Report Reveals Declining Population of Gray Whale Off Western U.S

According to the latest report, researchers found a declining population of gray whales off the western U.S.

Based on the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the gray whale has the scientific name Eschrichtius robustus, which is between 40 and 50 feet long and weighs 40 to 50 feet. They surface to waters to breathe as well.

Gray whales are friendly animals with a ridge of sharp bumps along their backs. The World Wildlife Fund explained that they are also called baleen whale, which filters food from water using bristly structures, adding that the calm and warm waters serve as a safe place for the whales from threats and predators.

Furthermore, WWF emphasized the importance of whales in the food chain and marine environment. Despite the whale size, they can still be subjected to threats, including oil and gas development and shipping collisions. With sea activities, whales can be sensitive to underwater noises and booms.

Whales are also known for their migrations to feed and breed. According to National Geographic, they are considered one of the greatest migrators.

Declining grey population in Wester U.S

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Researchers in the United States raised concerns over the dwindling population of grey whales in western North America. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries report unveiled that the gray whale migration declined over the last two years.

The NOAA Fisheries' latest assessment reported the recent count of the said whales at 16,650, showing a 38% down from 2015 to 2016. The report also highlighted that the grey whale population revealed to produce the fewest calves this year since the 1994 count.

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NOAA Fisheries noted that Dr. David Weller explained that the continuing decline in the numbers since 2016 required close monitoring to understand the trend further. Dr. Weller is the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division director.

The report also noted the concerning increase in gray whale strandings. The investigation revealed several likely contributors to the problem: the ecological changes seen in Artic that affect the seafloor; invertebrates found living in and above the water column and above the sediment; and gray whales feeling in summer.

Gray whale strandings

Ultimately, the research discussed the over 600 dead whales from 2019 to 2022, showing some were malnourished. Other factors resulting in grey whales' death are collision with ships and being killed by their predators. The research noted the number of strandings increased in 2019 but suddenly declined in the subsequent years.

On the other hand, Dr. Sue Ellen Moore said that some gray whales might have difficulty or struggle to find food in shifts, affecting how they feed. Moore is also a University of Washington researcher.

What is amazing about gray whales is their migration of feeding grounds in the Artic region in summer and then in Baja Mexico's lagoons in winter. The researchers noted that the long and annual roundtrip of whales go more than 10,000 miles, which means they might have been exposed to stressors in their travel or migration.

To read the study, visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries website.