The Impact of Climate Change on Gray Whales

🐋Gray whales are experiencing an unusual mortality event, with hundreds washing up dead on beaches.

🌊Changes in sea ice and declining prey biomass are impacting the feeding habits and body condition of gray whales.

🌍The Arctic ecosystem, on which gray whales depend, is being significantly altered due to climate change.

🌱Gray whales' favorite food, high fat content amphipods, are affected by changes in sea ice and sediment stability.

🌊Gray whales' adaptability may prevent their extinction in the near term, but their populations will be significantly altered.

Why are gray whales washing up dead on beaches?

—Gray whales are experiencing an unusual mortality event, with hundreds washing up dead on beaches. Scientists are investigating the cause, but changes in sea ice and declining prey biomass are significant factors.

How is climate change impacting gray whales?

—Climate change is impacting gray whales through changes in sea ice and declining prey biomass. These changes affect their feeding habits and body condition, leading to a decline in population health.

What is the impact of declining prey biomass on gray whales?

—Declining prey biomass, particularly the fatty amphipods that gray whales rely on, is affecting their feeding habits and overall body condition. Smaller and less nutritious prey means fewer calories per bite for the whales.

Will gray whales go extinct due to climate change?

—While gray whales have shown adaptability in the face of environmental changes, the long-term outlook is not optimistic. Declining sea ice and changes in the Arctic ecosystem will significantly alter gray whale populations.

What is the impact on the Makah Nation's whaling rights?

—The Makah Nation has been waiting to reinstate their whaling rights for decades. The unusual mortality event has set back their timeline, but the impact of their hunting on the gray whale population is minimal compared to larger issues caused by climate change.

00:00- Gray whales are facing an unusual mortality event, with hundreds washing up dead on beaches.

01:00- Changes in sea ice and declining prey biomass are impacting the feeding habits and body condition of gray whales.

03:33- Gray whales' favorite food, high fat content amphipods, are affected by changes in sea ice and sediment stability.

08:18- The long-term outlook for gray whales is not optimistic, but they have shown adaptability in the face of environmental changes.

09:55- The Makah Nation has been waiting to reinstate their whaling rights for decades.