The Bay Area witnessed yet another unfortunate marine event, as a dead gray whale was spotted along the shores of Alameda. This marks the fourth such incident in the region this year. The Marine Mammal Center, via a social media post, confirmed the discovery at Alameda South Shore Beach and outlined plans to perform a necropsy in collaboration with @calacademy and East Bay Regional Parks by towing the whale to Angel Island State Park.
The Marine Mammal Center can confirm reports of a dead gray whale in the surf line at Alameda South Shore Beach. We do not yet have photo or video assets to share.
— The Marine Mammal Center (@TMMC) April 21, 2025
The deceased cetacean, now believed to be the same adult female gray whale seen floating near the USS Hornet Museum last Thursday, had samples taken last Friday. As per The Marine Mammal Center's report, these samples have led to identifying the animal's sex. The tide later moved it to Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach on Sunday, which commanded significant attention. Officials have urged the public to maintain a respectful distance from the animal.
Giancarlo Rulli, a spokesperson for The Marine Mammal Center, informed NBC Bay Area about the ongoing investigations into the cause of death for the gray whales found around the Bay this year. In the case of one whale, a ship strike was the probable cause, whereas other deaths could be attributable to malnutrition.
