Unusual Surge in Whale Deaths in Bay Area Raises Alarm

Four whales, including a rare juvenile minke, have died in the San Francisco Bay Area within a week and a half, prompting investigations into vessel strikes, environmental hazards, and other potential causes.

A rare juvenile minke whale was euthanized on April 8 after becoming trapped in shallow waters near Emeryville, marking only the fifth documented sighting of the species in the area since 2009.
Three gray whales were found dead in the Bay Area over the past week, with one exhibiting injuries consistent with a vessel strike, while the causes of death for the others remain unclear.
Necropsies are underway to determine the causes of death for the whales, with results expected in several weeks, as experts investigate potential environmental factors like algal blooms.
The recent cluster of whale deaths—four in just over a week—is unusually high, with officials noting the last comparable event occurred in April 2021.
Marine conservationists emphasize the need for increased awareness among boaters to avoid collisions with whales during their migration through the region.