Six gray whales have tragically died in the San Francisco Bay area within the past week alone, adding to the already alarming total of 15 stranded whales recorded so far this year. This surge in fatalities has sparked intense concern among scientists, conservationists, and the general public, as efforts to uncover the cause of these deaths continue amid challenging conditions.
The California Academy of Sciences, in partnership with the Marine Mammal Center, confirmed that between May 21 and May 28, six gray whales were found deceased in and around the Bay. Despite their best efforts, necropsy response teams have faced significant obstacles in determining the exact causes of death. Officials explained that many of the stranded whales were located in hard-to-reach areas, complicating post-mortem examinations. Additionally, advanced decomposition in some cases resulted in poor tissue quality, hindering thorough investigations. The limited number of suitable towing locations for further analysis has also constrained their ability to fully assess the situation.
One necropsy conducted on May 28 took place at Kirby Cove in the Marin Headlands. The subject was a subadult male gray whale, believed to be one of two individuals sighted near the area days earlier. However, the precise cause of death remains undetermined, and the fate of the other whale sighted on May 26 is still unknown, as it has not come ashore.
This year alone, 15 whales have been reported dead in the greater San Francisco Bay area: 14 gray whales and one minke whale. Among the gray whale fatalities, authorities suspect at least three were the result of vessel strikes, underscoring a grim reality of human-wildlife conflict in busy waterways.
Scientists noted that the current number of gray whale deaths is reminiscent of the unusual mortality events (UMEs) experienced in 2019 and 2021, which saw 14 and 15 gray whales perish, respectively. These events drew widespread attention due to the severity and scale of the whale deaths, prompting heightened monitoring and research efforts.
In 2025, scientists have also observed an unusually high number of gray whale sightings in the San Francisco Bay — a total of 33 individual gray whales confirmed so far. This is a stark increase compared to just six sightings recorded throughout the entire previous year, 2024. Intriguingly, about one-third of these whales have remained in the bay for at least 20 days, which is longer than expected for their usual migration patterns. The physical condition of the whales varies from normal to emaciated, raising further questions about their health and the environmental factors influencing their behavior.
Researchers are actively investigating the underlying causes of the spike in both sightings and deaths. While gray whales typically use the bay as part of their annual northern migration toward Arctic feeding grounds, their prolonged presence and the unusual mortality rate have prompted concern and study. Scientists anticipate that gray whales will remain in the bay for another one to two weeks before continuing their journey north.
The repercussions of recent mortality events have been significant. Since 2019, the gray whale population has suffered an estimated 45% decline, and southern California researchers have recently reported record-low calf counts, suggesting ongoing reproductive challenges. These indicators emphasize the urgent need to understand and mitigate threats to this species.
Given that San Francisco Bay is a hub for commercial shipping, recreational boating, and ferry traffic, the increased gray whale activity in these waters heightens the risk of vessel strikes — one of the leading causes of whale injuries and deaths. Conservation experts from the Academy and the Marine Mammal Center urge all boaters, regardless of vessel size, to be “whale aware” and to reduce speeds to minimize the risk of collisions.
Unlike humpback whales and other coastal species that display more prominent profiles above water, gray whales often have very low visibility, making them difficult for boaters to spot in time to avoid an accident. This challenge underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to recommended safety measures.
In response to these risks, the Marine Mammal Center is collaborating with the San Francisco Harbor Safety Committee to explore innovative strategies aimed at reducing vessel strikes. One proposed measure includes modifying ferry routes based on real-time whale sighting data gathered this year, thereby minimizing overlap between busy ferry lanes and whale concentrations.
Additionally, efforts are underway to enhance communication with mariners, including the dissemination of whale activity alerts via the U.S. Coast Guard. These notifications aim to raise awareness and encourage caution among vessel operators navigating the bay.
The deaths of these gray whales serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and marine ecosystems. They highlight the need for ongoing research, community engagement, and policy initiatives to protect these majestic creatures and preserve the biodiversity of the region.
As investigations continue, authorities encourage anyone who witnesses distressed marine mammals or has information related to whale strandings to report it to local wildlife agencies. Public cooperation is vital in helping conservationists track whale health and respond swiftly to emergencies.
Ultimately, the hope is that through increased awareness, targeted protective measures, and responsible boating practices, the San Francisco Bay area can become a safer haven for gray whales during their migrations and beyond — allowing these remarkable animals to thrive for generations to come.
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