Grey whales are dying off the coast of British Columbia, with researchers pointing to food scarcity as a key factor. Since 2019, elevated numbers of grey whale strandings have been reported along the Pacific coast, from Mexico to Alaska, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
In 2023, at least 14 grey whales were found dead in B.C. waters, part of an 'unusual mortality event' declared by NOAA in 2019. The whales, described as 'bags of bones' by some observers, show signs of malnutrition, with reduced blubber thickness and empty stomachs.
Scientists attribute the food shortage to changes in sea ice conditions in the Arctic, where grey whales feed on amphipods. Reduced ice cover affects the availability of these crustaceans, forcing whales to migrate longer distances with less energy reserves.
As of April 2026, the trend continues, with early reports of emaciated whales spotted near Vancouver Island. Conservation groups urge boaters to report sightings to help track the population's health.
