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Researchers Declare 'Catastrophic Mortality Event' as 145 Gray Whales Found Dead on West Coast
NOAA says 145 Pacific gray whales have died so far this year as advocates press for Endangered Species Act protections.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported 145 Pacific gray whales found dead on beaches this year, including 13 in Alaska, as elevated strandings continue along the Pacific Coast.
- Climate change has disrupted the Arctic food web, causing malnutrition in gray whales; the species faced an "unusual mortality event" between 2019 and 2023 marked by low birth rates and 690 strandings.
- Research biologist John Calambokidis of the Cascadia Research Collective stated, "Our observation of the whales is, you know, all of them are thin. Some are extremely emaciated." The observation underscores food scarcity in warming waters.
- Retired University of Alaska professor Rick Steiner petitioned NOAA last August to relist the species under the Endangered Species Act, though the agency has not yet acted despite typically taking 90 days to decide.
- Steiner warned that if NOAA does not propose relisting next month, the issue will end up in court, as the agency continues evaluating the petition without releasing updated population estimates.
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obrag.orgResearchers Declare a ‘Catastrophic Mortality Event’ Along West Coast: 145 Gray Whales Died This Year
By Shannon Handy / CBS8 / July 8-9, 2026 Researchers reveal alarming statistics about gray whales, declaring a "catastrophic mortality event" along the West Coast as strandings escalate dramatically this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports a staggering 145 gray whales have been found stranded dead on the West Coast, including regions in Mexico and Canada, marking a significant increase that could make 2026 one of t…
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Center
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
71% Center
L 29%
C 71%
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