Gray whales are in decline and many show signs of malnutrition

NOAA reports eastern gray whale numbers fell to about 12,950 and officials recorded at least 1,235 strandings along the U.S. West Coast from 2019–2025.

Gray whales are increasingly visible in places like San Francisco Bay, and observers report many of those whales appear thin or undernourished. The species was long seen as a conservation success after protections such as the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act and a global whaling ban. Over the last nine years the eastern Pacific population has declined sharply, and researchers point to changing ocean and Arctic sea-ice conditions as a likely factor. These ocean changes affect the tiny crustaceans gray whales rely on for food. Key facts: - NOAA reports the eastern gray whale population fell to about 12,950, the lowest since the 1970s. - NOAA declared an "unusual mortality event" in 2019, and at least 1,235 gray whales were recorded stranded dead along the West Coast from 2019 through 2025. - Field observers and census projects have reported record-low calf counts in breeding lagoons, more malnourished whales entering estuaries, and an increase in deaths linked to ship strikes and apparent starvation-related causes. Summary: The reported population decline has coincided with higher stranding counts, fewer calves in breeding areas, and more whales moving into coastal estuaries where they face additional risks. Scientists and agencies have reported links between the decline and reduced prey availability tied to sea-ice loss and warming oceans. Undetermined at this time.