Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is currently looking into the demise of another grey whale in B.C. A grey whale was discovered deceased on a remote Haida Gwaii beach on May 24. The DFO marine mammal response team is en route to the site to gather samples and ascertain the cause of death. This occurrence contributes to a concerning trend as eight grey whales have been found lifeless in British Columbia this year, indicating a spike in deaths believed to be linked to starvation.
During a webinar hosted by the Marine Education and Research Society discussing grey whale issues, DFO marine mammal co-ordinator Paul Cottrell disclosed details about the most recent fatality. Cottrell emphasized the worrisome nature of these deaths, noting that the actual number of fatalities might be greater due to the vast coastline and remote locations, making it challenging to locate all deceased whales.
Cottrell mentioned that this year’s death toll could surpass the record set in 2019, when 11 grey whales were discovered dead in B.C. In a recent ten-day span, DFO responded to four dead whales off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Cottrell stated that out of the seven whales found, six have been sampled, and full necropsies have been conducted on four of them. The results of these necropsies are anticipated to be available within the next month.
Researchers have highlighted the distressing situation faced by grey whales, attributing their deaths to starvation as they journey back to their feeding areas up north. The decline in available prey in the Arctic is believed to be the primary cause of these fatalities. The grey whale population, estimated at under 13,000, has been dwindling, with a total of 40 grey whales found dead in B.C. since 2019.
In 2019, a significant increase in grey whale deaths was observed globally, with 216 reported dead whales, leading to the declaration of an unusual mortality event. The grey whale, eastern North Pacific population, was classified as being of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and was listed under the federal Species at Risk Act in 2005.
Jackie Hildering from the Marine Education and Research Society is urging the province to designate all grey whales as endangered species in Canada to ensure their protection. Recognizing all grey whales as endangered would open doors for legislative action, research funding, and educational initiatives, according to Hildering.
