Gray whale deaths continue to climb; scientists blame changing Artic conditions

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]Well, gray whale deaths are rising along Washington's coast, and researchers say climate-driven changes in the Arctic may be to blame. Scientists have documented more than 20 gray whale strandings in the state so far this year. Researchers with the Cascadia Research Collective in Olympia say 21 dead gray whales have washed ashore in Washington this year, already among the highest totals on record. Biologists say many of the whales appear severely malnourished after struggling to find enough food. A research biologist told KING 5, "Ecosystem changes in the Arctic have reduced the whales' prey supply, making survival during migration more difficult."

[00:00:40]We've been able to isolate that the issue seems to be with their food supply in the Arctic. Um and we know that because we have other groups of gray whales that to some degree feed other areas. Uh we have a group that feeds here in Puget Sound called the Sounders.

[00:00:56]We have a group that spends most of the year in the Pacific Northwest. Those groups don't seem to be experiencing this high level of mortality. Researchers say some whales are searching for food in unusual areas, including bays and busy waterways, increasing the risk of ship strikes and entanglements. Scientists are asking the public to report stranded whales to authorities and stay a safe distance away from the animals.