Dead Gray Whale Found Near SF Pier Was Likely Struck By Ship

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A dead gray whale was found in San Francisco's on Thursday, June 4, marking the 13th whale death in Northern California so far this year, according to data from The Marine Mammal Center.

The dead 38-foot adult male whale was found off Pier 80 and was towed to Angel Island. An autopsy revealed evidence of blunt force trauma consistent with being struck by a ship, including a broken vertebra and hemorrhaging behind the skull, officials said.

Subscribe

The death comes amid growing concern for the species. Whales have been going through an unusual mortality event that has decimated populations by over 50% since 2016, officials said.

Food shortages and vessel strikes have driven the population decline.

But despite being susceptible to strikes, whales have been using the Bay Area along their migratory route up north more frequently in recent years. Experts say this is due to "the warm, shallow waters of the Bay are desirable feeding and resting grounds for these gentle giants."

"While the reasons behind this shift in behavioral utilization of the Bay is still being investigated, the Center’s observation data has shown individual gray whales are spending longer periods of time in the bay during their migratory season, and many are actively foraging, heightening the risk of vessel strikes," TMMC officials told Patch.

Many whales are still visiting the Bay but are expected to depart in the next week or two, officials said.

Scientists are currently working together to create a new AI system that uses cameras and thermal sensors to steer ships clear of whales, according to The Marine Mammal Center.

Officials say the public can also help protect whales by reporting sightings on the TMMC website or the WhaleAlert app.