The female gray whale was found dead in Long Beach on May 8, according to the Cascadia Research Collective.
LONG BEACH, Wash. — Another gray whale has been found dead in Washington, according to the Cascadia Research Collective, adding to the state’s ongoing series of whale deaths, now totaling 18.
Since March 2, the nonprofit has documented the “alarming” number of stranded gray whales found near Anacortes, Ocean Shores, Sequim, Deception Pass, Long Beach and other coastal areas in Washington.
The most recent gray whale, a female, was found near Long Beach Peninsula on May 8. The whale’s cause of death is not yet known as the exam is pending.
The Cascadia Research Collective notes many of the whales died from malnutrition.
Biologists are continuing to raise concern over the ongoing strandings.
Cascadia Research Collective founder John Calambokidis previously told KING 5 that many of the whales appeared to have died from starvation, which biologists link to climate change reducing food supplies in Alaska and the Arctic.
“This reflects that they did not get enough to feed last year,” Calambokidis said. “This is the period that is most stressful, if they didn’t get enough of a reserve. That’s when they’re not making it.”
Anyone who sees a stranded or injured marine mammal is asked to contact the marine mammal stranding hotline at 1-866-767-6114. Officials urge you not to approach the marine mammals.
This story includes reporting by KING 5’s Drew Mikkelsen.
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