San Francisco Bay has recently become a focal point for observing Eastern North Pacific gray whales, which are appearing in the area in increasing numbers. This has sparked both fascination and concern among locals and researchers, as many of these whales are undernourished and dying. In 2025, a record 21 dead gray whales were found in the bay, with seven deaths reported this year alone. The whales, which typically migrate between Baja California and the Arctic, have started using the bay as a new habitat due to declining prey in the Arctic. Many of the whales observed are skinnier than usual, lacking the energy reserves needed for their long migration. While hunger drives them into the bay, ship strikes are a significant cause of death. Researchers are using this opportunity to study the whales’ migratory patterns and the impact of climate change on their routes, as nearly one-fifth of the whales entering the bay have died, often due to vessel collisions.
QUESTION: How might the changing migratory patterns of gray whales due to climate change impact the ecosystem of San Francisco Bay?
Why are gray whales dying in San Francisco’s waters? US scientists search for clues
