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Story summary
- At least six gray whales died in San Francisco Bay between mid-March and early April 2026.
- The eastern North Pacific gray whale population has fallen by more than 50 percent since 2016 due to reduced food and warming oceans.
- Vessel strikes are a major threat, with 30 of 70 dead whales showing ship-related trauma.
- Researchers aim to inform policymakers to implement seasonal slow-speed zones and operator education.
