This Year Has Seen the Largest Number of Dead Gray Whales In the San Francisco Bay In 25 Years

This year, the San Francisco Bay has recorded 21 dead gray whales, marking the highest number in 25 years. The surge in whale fatalities corresponds with a significant increase in sightings, from four in 2024 to 35 in 2025. The recent death of a 37-foot female subadult, likely from a boat collision, underscores the dangers these whales face. Kathi George from Marin County’s Marine Mammal Center noted the unexpected timing of this incident, as the species had not been sighted in the bay for nearly two weeks. Experts believe that the uptick in gray whale deaths may be due to increased vessel traffic in shared waters.

To mitigate this issue, biologists encourage all boaters to remain vigilant and slow down when spotting whales. The high number of deaths raises concerns about the impact of human activity on marine life. Enhanced awareness and caution among boaters are essential for protecting the recovering gray whale population.