PUGET SOUND, Wash. – Southern resident orcas are not the only West Coast whale population that’s concerning scientists.
NOAA Fisheries reports gray whales that migrate along the coast continue to see population declines.
A census finds their numbers are down 38% from the highs of 2015 and 2016.
Researchers say finding food could be part of the problem, but the whales feed on a wide variety of prey over enormous distances so it is hard to pinpoint a cause.
A small group of gray whales now dubbed The Sounders has found its way into Puget Sound during migration when they feed on ghost shrimp in shallow waters.
Those whales have appeared to be better nourished than many of their counterparts.