Gray Whale in Mexico: Concerning Increase in Mortality and Thinness

Why Are Gray Whales Thinner? Causes and Consequences

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Published in 03-28-2025

Gray Whale in Mexico Increase Mortality and Thinne

Gray Whale in Mexico: Rising Deaths and Declining Birth Rates. Photo: SECTUR Mexico on X

 

Gray whales migrating to Mexico have experienced a concerning crisis in recent years. An increase in mortality, severe malnutrition, and a decline in birth rates are affecting the population of this iconic marine species.

High Mortality Among Gray Whales

Between 2019 and 2023, 690 gray whale deaths were recorded along their migration route from Alaska to Baja California Sur. Of these, 316 occurred in Mexican waters. Many of these whales showed signs of starvation and low body weight, indicating a food crisis in their habitat.

Malnutrition and Food Shortages

One of the main factors contributing to gray whale malnutrition is the warming of waters in their Arctic feeding areas, especially in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. These changes have reduced the availability of krill and other benthic crustaceans, essential components of their diet.

Gray Whale in Mexico Increase Mortality and Thinne

Gray Whale Migration: Challenges and Current Status in Baja California Sur

Photo: SECTUR Mexico on X
Population Decline

As a result of these adverse conditions, the gray whale population in the North Pacific has decreased by 15% to 25%. This decline is alarming and puts the stability of the species in the region at risk.

Drop in Birth Rates

The decline in newborn calves is also concerning. In Laguna San Ignacio, during the first week of February 2015, 201 adult whales and 126 calves were counted, totaling 327 individuals. However, in the same period of 2021, only 48 adult whales and 9 calves were recorded, amounting to a total of 57 whales.

Impact of Climate Change

Experts have identified that this mass mortality phenomenon follows a cycle of approximately 20 years. However, this time, climate change is exacerbating the problem by altering marine ecosystems and reducing food availability for gray whales.

The situation of the gray whale in Mexico is alarming. The increase in mortality, malnutrition, and declining birth rates are symptoms of an environmental crisis that must be addressed. Conserving this species requires urgent actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure food availability in the Arctic.


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