Scientists have reported that over 20 deceased whales have been washing up on the shores of beaches sprawled around the Bay Area from April to July, the newest sighting being July 20.
Their large, lumpy bodies laying out on the sand of local beaches make them hard to miss. They are a sad, smelly sight to see, becoming more and more common throughout the past months.
From vessel strikes to environmental issues, these whales have faced a multitude of obstacles leading to their demise.
Scientist Shalina Peterson from the California Academy of Sciences explained that they were able to necropsy 12 different whales. Of those 12, nine whales showed either sharp or blunt force trauma, which is consistent with vessel interaction or strikes.
In other words, boats on the water have been reckless, crashing into and leaving a devastating impact on the many whale species that inhabit the bay waters.
Peterson added that other environmental issues are contributing to the increase of whale deaths. Disruptions in the food web lead to the whales swimming into higher risk areas for their nutritional sources.
Science teacher and environment club moderator Julia Stricker-Balistreri stated, “Some migration patterns regarding these whales have changed and we need to be aware of the change needed to fix this issue.”
Fortunately, humans can help protect these whales and their environment. Humans are their leading source of destruction, but are also the ones who can restore their populations.
Scientists at the California Academy of Sciences are working diligently to help save these whales to prevent the death count from rising.
“I’m hopeful that next year we will find ways to work with the commercial vessels and the shipping and tanker vessel companies that kind of come through San Francisco Bay,” said Peterson.
Isabella Miraglia ’26 remarked, “I think it’s hard to say how we can inform others when this has been happening for decades, but not many people seem to be listening.”
Being positive is difficult, but communities doing their part can make a big difference.
“There’s a lot of things people can do, but I think the most important thing is to educate yourself and find organizations that are putting in the time and energy to learn about the problems wildlife is facing,” said Peterson.
If the community collectively completes simple tasks, it would make a huge impact on the state of the planet. Staying positive and preserving the environment is key to restoring the wildlife in communities around the world.
Peterson said, “Things are challenging, but I’m hopeful.”
Editor’s Note: From the California Academy of Sciences, “All marine mammal stranding activities are conducted under authorization by the National Marine Fisheries Service through a Stranding Agreement issued to the California Academy of Sciences and the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program. Permit No. 24359.”
