Arabic version: تزايد المخاوف بشأن وفيات الحيتان الرمادية في خليج سان فرانسيسكو

Scientists are investigating a troubling trend of gray whale deaths in San Francisco Bay, where seven whales have died this year due to a combination of dwindling prey availability, climate change, and human causes. In 2025, a record 21 dead gray whales were found in the area, highlighting a significant increase in mortality rates.

According to BBC News, researchers attribute the deaths to a combination of dwindling prey availability, climate change, and vessel strikes. Josephine Slaathaug, a graduate student at Sonoma State University, noted that many of the whales observed are undernourished, lacking the energy reserves necessary for their long migration to the Arctic.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, indicates that nearly one-fifth of the gray whales entering the bay have died, primarily due to collisions with ships. This alarming trend raises questions about the impact of human activity on the whales’ migratory patterns and survival.

Researchers are particularly concerned about the low birth rates among gray whales, with very few calves being observed this season. The population of gray whales along North America’s west coast has decreased from 27,000 in 2016 to 12,500 in 2025, prompting the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to classify the situation as an “unusual mortality event.”

In response to the crisis, the U.S. Coast Guard and ferry companies are implementing safety measures to protect the whales from vessel strikes. Efforts include training captains to slow down in high-traffic areas and potentially installing infrared cameras to monitor whale activity at night.

Despite the challenges, some experts remain hopeful that with proper protections, San Francisco Bay could serve as a successful foraging stop for gray whales, allowing them to thrive in their long migratory journey.