• Gray whales are migrating north in emaciated condition, with ribs protruding, due to food scarcity linked to warming Arctic waters.
• Record-low calf numbers have been observed, raising concerns about the future of the gray whale population.
• The decline in whale populations signals instability in marine ecosystems, potentially impacting livelihoods, economies, and sustainable seafood access.

Gray whale populations are facing a severe crisis as they migrate from Mexico's Baja lagoons. Researchers have observed that many whales are visibly emaciated, with some so thin that their ribs are protruding. This alarming trend is coupled with record-low calf numbers, raising fears of another mass die-off event. The primary cause is believed to be the warming Arctic, which disrupts the growth of algae and affects the shrimp-like amphipods that gray whales depend on for food. This lack of food is causing whales to arrive at breeding grounds malnourished and leave with even less energy for their migration.

• What: Thousands of gray whales are migrating north in visibly emaciated condition, with record-low calf numbers observed. This is attributed to the warming Arctic and disrupted food supplies.
• Who: Josh Stewart (ecologist at Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute), Alisa Schulman-Janiger (whale census worker), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• When: Observations made during the whales' current northbound migration and the previous southbound migration (fall). Unusual mortality event declared by NOAA between 2018 and 2023.
• Where: Migration route from Mexico's Baja lagoons to the Arctic, observations along the West Coast.

The alarming reports of emaciated gray whales and drastically reduced calf numbers underscore the severe impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. The disruption of the food chain in the Arctic, due to warming waters and melting sea ice, has a cascading effect on species like gray whales that depend on these resources. The broader implications of whale decline include potential instability in marine ecosystems, threatening livelihoods, economies, and access to sustainable seafood. Addressing climate change and reducing pollution are crucial to mitigating these impacts and protecting marine life.

"All the signs are indicating there has been a pretty intensive change in the Arctic."

"The numbers so far are the lowest ever and the whales we are seeing are extremely emaciated. They have bulging ribs with shoulder blades and vertebrae visible even from shore. It's really just horrific."

The gray whale population is facing a significant crisis due to climate change and its impact on their food sources. The observed emaciation and low calf numbers raise serious concerns about the future of these whales and the stability of the marine ecosystems they inhabit. While gray whales are resilient, the combination of challenges they face – warming oceans, shrinking food supplies, and microplastics – requires urgent action to mitigate the impacts and support whale conservation.