Story perspectives

Scientists warn second catastrophic gray whale mortality, demand NOAA relisting.

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

PEER estimates the 145 gray whale strandings reported in 2026 represent only a fraction, projecting about 1,450 deaths this year.
Scientists label the deaths a second “Catastrophic Mortality Event” this decade, citing ship strikes and reduced Arctic prey from sea-ice loss.
Rick Steiner and PEER urged National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to relist gray whales, with NOAA stating it will declare an event only after causes are identified.

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Story summary

PEER estimates the 145 gray whale strandings reported in 2026 represent only a fraction, projecting about 1,450 deaths this year.
Scientists label the deaths a second “Catastrophic Mortality Event” this decade, citing ship strikes and reduced Arctic prey from sea-ice loss.
Rick Steiner and PEER urged National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to relist gray whales, with NOAA stating it will declare an event only after causes are identified.