Gray whales are washing up dead on the West Coast. The reason is alarming

In recent months, an alarming number of gray whales have been found dead along the West Coast, from Mexico to Alaska. By mid-August, 187 gray whales had washed ashore, many emaciated and described as “a bag of bones.” This troubling trend has scientists racing to uncover the reasons behind the decline of a species that was once a conservation success story. After rebounding from near extinction in the 19th century, the gray whale population had grown to 27,000 by 2016 but has since plummeted to around 13,000. The mysterious strandings began in late 2018, prompting an international investigation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to determine the cause of this unusual mortality event. Scientists are examining the stranded whales for signs of starvation or trauma, hoping to prevent further losses in this vital species. QUESTION: What should people do about the declining gray whale population, and how might this affect future generations?