(Thechieftainspear) – Marine scientists are investigating the mysterious death of a 45-foot-long gray whale that washed ashore in Huntington Beach late last week. The adult female whale was discovered Friday afternoon without visible injuries, leaving researchers puzzled and concerned.
Although the whale appeared to be in good condition physically, experts are conducting further examinations to determine what caused its death. The incident adds to a troubling pattern, as nearly a dozen gray whales have washed up along the West Coast already this year.
Marine biologist Alisa Schulman-Janiger, who has been studying gray whales for over four decades, emphasized the importance of this case in the context of broader ecological concerns. “We’re seeing signs that raise red flags,” she said in an interview with KTLA. “Gray whale migration numbers are at their lowest in more than 40 years, and calf sightings are extremely rare this season.”
Schulman-Janiger’s long-term research has documented a phenomenon known as an Unusual Mortality Event (UME), which occurred between 2019 and 2023 and involved a steep decline in gray whale populations. While there were signs of recovery in the year that followed, 2025 has brought new worries.
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So far, more than 70 gray whale deaths have been reported along the coast of Mexico this year alone. Schulman-Janiger noted that many of the whales observed during the current migration appear emaciated, raising concerns that underlying environmental issues may be impacting food availability and health.
“Even though the UME was declared over, what we’re seeing now—skinny whales and high mortality rates—tells us something isn’t right,” she said. “Gray whales serve as a barometer for ocean health. If they’re struggling, it likely means the entire marine ecosystem is being affected.”
She warned that these troubling developments could signal major changes in the ocean environment—changes that may have lasting effects on marine life and commercial fisheries.
“We’ll need to closely monitor the situation in the coming months to understand whether this is a temporary disturbance or something more long-term and disruptive,” she added.
As scientists continue their investigation, the whale’s remains were buried in Huntington Beach, but the search for answers is far from over.
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