Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is currently investigating the death of another grey whale in British Columbia (B.C.). The deceased grey whale was discovered on a beach in a remote area of Haida Gwaii on May 24. The DFO marine mammal response team is en route to the location to collect samples and determine the cause of death.
This recent incident marks the eighth discovery of a dead grey whale in British Columbia this year, contributing to a concerning increase in deaths within the population due to apparent starvation. During a webinar hosted by the Marine Education and Research Society, DFO marine mammal co-ordinator Paul Cottrell disclosed details of the most recent fatality.
Cottrell expressed alarm at the rising number of deaths, indicating that the actual figure may be higher due to the vast coastline and remote nature of some areas. Comparatively, this year’s death toll could surpass the peak of 11 dead grey whales recorded in 2019 in British Columbia. Additionally, DFO has already responded to four dead whales off the west coast of Vancouver Island within a span of 10 days this year.
The results from the necropsies performed on the deceased whales are expected to be available in approximately a month. Researchers have highlighted the critical situation faced by the grey whales, noting that they are perishing from starvation as they journey back north to their feeding grounds. The decline in available prey in the Arctic is believed to be a significant factor contributing to these deaths.
The grey whale population, estimated at just under 13,000, has been steadily decreasing. Since 2019, a total of 40 grey whales have been found dead in British Columbia. Notably, in 2019, a substantial increase in deaths occurred, with 216 grey whales found deceased globally, prompting the declaration of an unusual mortality event.
Efforts are being made to address this crisis, with Jackie Hildering from the Marine Education and Research Society advocating for the classification of all grey whales as endangered species in Canada to ensure their protection. This designation would enable the implementation of legislative measures, research funding, and educational initiatives to safeguard the vulnerable population.