Story perspectives

Gray Whale Population Halves, Two Canadian Groups Declared Endangered.

7/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

NOAA estimates grey-whale numbers Pacific coast fell from 26,960 in 2016 to 12,950 in 2025.
Researchers say prey in Bering and Chukchi Seas and warm-water jellyfish are driving the die-off.
Two groups—about 200 whales near Sakhalin Island and roughly 240 around Vancouver Island—meet the act’s endangered criteria, leading Minister Joanne Thompson to note Ottawa has not acted despite a 2015 Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada recommendation.

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Story summary

NOAA estimates grey-whale numbers Pacific coast fell from 26,960 in 2016 to 12,950 in 2025.
Researchers say prey in Bering and Chukchi Seas and warm-water jellyfish are driving the die-off.
Two groups—about 200 whales near Sakhalin Island and roughly 240 around Vancouver Island—meet the act’s endangered criteria, leading Minister Joanne Thompson to note Ottawa has not acted despite a 2015 Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada recommendation.