The gray whale population has shown signs of rebounding, leading to a troubling rise in deaths in San Francisco Bay, with 21 found dead this year, the highest in 25 years. In May alone, five gray whales were reported dead in separate incidents. The deaths may be attributed to vessel strikes as more gray whales enter the Bay, with 35 confirmed sightings this year compared to only four in 2024. Biologists urge increased caution for boat operators in shared waters to prevent further fatalities.
This year has seen the most gray whale deaths in the San Francisco Bay in 25 years, with 21 confirmed dead, likely due to vessel strikes.
During one week in May, five gray whales were found dead in separate incidents, correlating with an unusually high number of whale entries into the Bay.
Biologists report 35 confirmed gray whale sightings in the Bay this year, compared to only four in 2024, raising concerns about a significant mortality rate.
The director of cetacean conservation biology noted the surprise of finding a dead whale this late in the season, highlighting the unexpected trends in mortality.
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