By Zoila Palma: Dead and emaciated gray whales have been washing up along Washington state shores at an alarming rate, with 21 carcasses discovered since March, according to research biologist John Calambokidis.
The longtime whale researcher and founder of the Cascadia Research Collective said he is deeply concerned by the trend, which follows years of declining gray whale populations, NBC reports.
Calambokidis said the species, once considered one of conservation’s greatest success stories, has suffered a “precipitous decline” over the last seven years.
Many of the whales found dead appeared thin and weak, and some displayed unusual behavior before dying, including apparent navigational problems that researchers believe may be linked to poor physical condition.
Scientists say the whales’ struggle is tied to changes occurring in the Arctic as a result of climate change. “We know it’s a food supply issue,” Calambokidis said. “We know the Arctic has gone through dramatic changes because of climate change.” Researchers believe declining sea ice has disrupted the ecosystem that supports amphipods, the small shrimplike creatures that serve as gray whales’ primary food source.
Eastern North Pacific gray whales typically spend four to six months feeding in Arctic waters before migrating south to Mexico, where they breed and raise calves while largely fasting for six to eight months.
Scientists say the Arctic feeding grounds are critical to the whales’ survival.
Researchers believe earlier sea ice melting allows sunlight to reach the water sooner, encouraging the growth of phytoplankton and other species that absorb nutrients once destined for the seafloor, ultimately reducing food available to amphipods and, in turn, to whales.
The post International News: Dead gray whales continue washing ashore as Scientists link decline to Arctic changes appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Dead and emaciated gray whales have been washing up along Washington state shores at an alarming rate, with 21 carcasses discovered since March, according to research biologist John Calambokidis. The longtime whale researcher and founder of the Cascadia Research Collective said he is deeply concerned by the trend, which follows years of
The post International News: Dead gray whales continue washing ashore as Scientists link decline to Arctic changes appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
