Salish Sea in the news: rising whale deaths (gray whales) and chase footage of orcas near boats. A busy, troubled Pacific Northwest icon.
Recent studies show gray whales in the Pacific are experiencing high mortality rates, largely due to vessel collisions and Arctic food shortages. A whale found dead in Washington highlights ongoing threats, while efforts to reduce vessel strikes are underway. The population remains critically low, with fewer than 13,000 whales counted since 1970.