Washington – The number of stranded gray whale deaths in Washington state continues to climb, raising serious concern among marine researchers and coastal communities. As of April 28, 2026, 16 gray whales have been found dead along Washington’s coastline, and experts warn that this may only be the beginning of the season.
What’s Causing the Deaths?
The most consistent and alarming finding is malnutrition.
Many of the whales examined show:
- Severe weight loss
- Poor overall body condition
- Signs of prolonged starvation
This suggests that the whales are struggling to find enough food, a problem that has been increasingly observed in recent years.
Additional Threats
While malnutrition appears to be the primary issue, it’s not the only danger these whales are facing. At least four whales showed internal injuries consistent with vessel strikes. One whale had evidence of a recent entanglement, even though the gear was no longer attached. These added stressors can be deadly, especially for whales already weakened by lack of food.
It’s important to note that this data reflects only the early part of the stranding season. Officials expect the number of deaths to continue rising in the coming months.
The stranded whales have been found in multiple locations, including Ocean Shores, Moclips, Sequim, and areas along the Olympic Peninsula, indicating that this is a widespread issue, not an isolated event. View the list of 2026 Whale Strandings at this link.
Gray whales are a vital part of the marine ecosystem and a familiar presence along the Pacific coast. A spike in strandings, especially those tied to malnutrition, can signal larger environmental problems, such as:
- Changes in ocean conditions
- Declines in prey availability
- Broader ecosystem imbalance
- What You Can Do
If you encounter a stranded or distressed marine mammal, report it immediately to the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network Hotline: 1-866-767-6114.
Prompt reporting helps response teams investigate, gather data, and potentially assist animals that are still alive.
independent investigations and reporting.
