Overview

• So far in 2025, 15 whales—14 gray whales and one minke whale—have perished in the San Francisco Bay Area, matching peak tolls from the 2019–2023 unusual mortality event.
• Scientists have photo-identified 33 individual gray whales in the Bay this year, up from just four in 2024, with roughly one-third lingering for at least 20 days.
• At least three recent deaths are suspected vessel strikes, while most other carcasses remain under investigation due to poor tissue quality and hard-to-reach locations.
• Harbor Safety Committee officials and ferry operators are adjusting routes and issuing mariner alerts to reduce collision risks in areas where whales are congregating.
• Gray whales are expected to remain in Bay waters for another one to two weeks before resuming their annual migration north to Arctic feeding grounds.