Dead gray whale in San Francisco Bay. Photo courtesy The Marine Mammal Center.
SAN FRANCISCO – Recent discoveries of additional dead gray whales in the San Francisco Bay prompt an evaluation of marine health and conservation practices.
Details on Whale Strandings
On April 2 and April 4, two separate dead gray whales were located by a team of scientists from The Marine Mammal Center in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences.
One whale, a male, was found near Angel Island State Park. The necropsy for this whale was conducted under low-tide conditions shortly thereafter. It was reported floating east of the island and appeared to have been deceased for a considerable time, as indicated by its bloated condition which suggested advanced decomposition.
Dead gray whale at Angel Island State Park. Photo courtesy The Marine Mammal Center.
Following its discovery, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers successfully secured the whale to facilitate a thorough investigation. The second whale, identified at Fort Point Rock Beach, remains in a difficult-to-access area, and its specifics are currently unknown.
Local Expert Insights
Kathi George, Director of Cetacean Conservation Biology at The Marine Mammal Center, expressed appreciation for the collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, stating, “Our joint team is thankful…to help tow and position this whale so that we are able to investigate this animal’s death.” George also noted the ongoing sightings of gray whales in the bay as they migrate northward towards their feeding grounds.
She urged boat operators to be vigilant, reminding them: “If you see a blow, go slow.” This call to action highlights the need for increased awareness, particularly as ferry services have had to modify routes to protect the marine mammals in the area.
Rising Alert Levels Among Mariners
The presence of whales in the bay has led to heightened caution among boaters. The Coast Guard has been disseminating advisories urging mariners to navigate through the Central Bay with care due to increased whale activity.
On March 30, another gray whale was discovered deceased at Black Sands Beach in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, though its cause of death remains undetermined.
How the Public Can Help
Members of the public can contribute to marine conservation efforts by reporting whale sightings using the Whale Alert app on their smartphones or through The Marine Mammal Center’s website.
To report any dead, injured, or stranded marine mammals in the San Francisco Bay Area, please reach out to the appropriate hotlines:
- Dead marine mammals: California Academy of Sciences – (415) 379 – 5381
- Live marine mammals: The Marine Mammal Center – (415) 289 – SEAL (7325)
