The grim tally of dead whales washing up in San Francisco Bay has risen once again this year, and in a post on their website, The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) confirmed the retrieval of a sixth gray whale carcass near Treasure Island, marking a concerning spike compared to last year's numbers. The latest fatality, a subadult female, has left researchers scratching their heads with the cause of death remaining a mystery due to an advanced state of decomposition.
Floating near Treasure Island last Wednesday and later towed to Angel Island for examination, the 38-foot-long whale showed no obvious signs of trauma or injury and had been feeding recently. With most other fallen whales this year showing no definitive cause of death, save for one probable casualty of a vessel strike, it's clear something is amiss in these waters. A social media post from The Marine Mammal Center notes the frequent sightings of gray whales in the Bay, advising the public to use the #WhaleAlert app to report additional sightings.
We’re saddened to share another gray whale was found dead in #SanFranciscoBay. This is the sixth dead gray whale our team has responded to this year, the fifth within the Bay, and more than all of 2024. As we continue to investigate these deaths, here’s what you need to know 🧵 pic.twitter.com/1K69yFhjlk
— The Marine Mammal Center (@TMMC) May 8, 2025
Local scientists are undoubtedly on high alert as they grapple with this troubling series of events, raising awareness and trying to tackle the underlying issues plaguing our marine neighbors. As a component of these efforts, the U.S. Coast Guard, informed by KRON4, reported the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) voluntary speed reduction for ships. The initiative aims to lessen the chances of fatal encounters between whales and vessels while reducing noise pollution and emissions.
Given the scenario's urgency, the public's role in conservation is being emphasized. Concerned citizens are urged to report any whale sightings through the WhaleAlert app or TMMC's website, which could prove critical in safeguarding these gentle giants.
