San Francisco Bay Reports Unprecedented Spike in Whale Deaths

Four whales, including a rare juvenile minke, have died in less than two weeks, prompting necropsy investigations into potential causes such as vessel strikes.

Four whales have died in the San Francisco Bay Area over a span of 11 days, marking the highest mortality event since 2021.
A rare juvenile minke whale, only the fifth documented in the region in 16 years, was euthanized after becoming trapped in shallow waters near Emeryville Marina on April 8.
Three gray whales were found dead in separate locations, with one showing injuries consistent with a vessel strike, while others had no immediate signs of trauma.
Necropsies are being conducted on all four whales to determine causes of death, with results expected in the coming weeks.
Experts highlight the risks posed by vessel traffic in the area, urging boaters to exercise caution during the gray whale migration season.