Full Breakdown
Pacific Gray Whale Strandings Reach Record Levels in 2026
7/10/2026, 6:18:30 PM
Surge in West Coast Strandings
In 2026, 145 Pacific gray whales have been reported dead on beaches from California to Alaska, exceeding the 2006-2023 average of 43 strandings per year. The count includes at least 20 deaths in California and 13 in Alaska.
Declining Population and Threats
NOAA estimates the eastern North Pacific population at about 13,000, down from a peak of roughly 27,000 a decade ago. Scientists attribute recent deaths to starvation from reduced Arctic sea-ice algae, which diminishes crustacean prey, and note additional threats such as ship strikes and oil spills.
Official Agency Response
NOAA Fisheries spokesperson Michael Milstein said a new unusual mortality event would be declared only if new causes appear, and that current evidence points to the same factors as before. NOAA has received a petition to relist the gray whale under the Endangered Species Act but has not set a decision timeline.
Advocacy Calls and Criticism
Rick Steiner, retired University of Alaska professor and PEER board chair, urges relisting to give NOAA more management tools. PEER calls for “Whale Safety Zones” and criticizes NOAA’s inaction, warning that delays could push the West Coast population toward extinction.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is a high mortality rate, and of course, the ones that wash ashore are only maybe 10% of the whales that are dying,” — Rick Steiner, retired University of Alaska marine conservation professor
- “At this point, elevated strandings have continued, but all indications are that the causes remain the same,” — Michael Milstein, spokesperson for NOAA Fisheries
- “The gray whale appears to be suffering its second Catastrophic Mortality Event this decade,” — Rick Steiner, Alaska marine ecologist and PEER Board of Directors Chairman
- “Despite mounting threats, NOAA has yet to take any affirmative action to protect the gray whale,” — Kyla Bennet, PEER Science Policy Director
