Off the western shore of Vancouver Island, additional grey whales have been discovered deceased, bringing the total count to seven fatalities this year. Paul Cottrell, the marine mammal co-ordinator at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), revealed that two dead grey whales were reported by a hiker and a pilot last weekend. The ongoing trend began in April when four grey whales were found dead along Vancouver Island’s coast within a mere 10 days.

Cottrell expressed sadness over the recent discoveries, emphasizing the necessity to investigate the cause of death. Researchers attribute the deaths to a significant decrease in available prey in the whales’ Arctic feeding regions. As the grey whales migrate back north to their feeding grounds, they are succumbing to starvation due to the lack of sufficient food resources.

The Pacific Ocean has recorded a total of 36 grey whale mortalities this year, as documented by officials. John Calambokidis, a research biologist at Cascadia Research Collective, expressed surprise at the rate at which deceased whales are being discovered. The common factor among the examined whales has been identified as malnutrition.

Calambokidis highlighted the alarming pace at which whale deaths are occurring this year, surpassing previous records. In comparison, the worst year for grey whale deaths was in 2019 during an “unusual mortality event” when 216 deceased grey whales were documented.

Collaborative efforts are underway with partners in California, Oregon, and Washington state to address the escalating concerns surrounding grey whale mortality rates. Cottrell emphasized the importance of monitoring the situation closely, acknowledging the likelihood of discovering more deceased whales as they continue their northward migration until June.

With the grey whale population estimated to be just under 13,000 and facing a decline, it is crucial for individuals who encounter distressed marine mammals to promptly report such sightings to the DFO.