Whales are dying at alarming rates this here: There are a few reasons why

NewsWhale deaths on West Coast hit record high this yearConservationists and environmental advocates are calling on officials to address this issue. (Jelena Wong via AP)APBy Claudia Dimuro | cdimuro@pennlive.com2026 has become the deadliest year on record for whales on the West Coast.According to a press release from the Center for Biological Diversity, public data from May showed that at least 51 whales died within the area so far for this year. That number has hit at least 187 — specifically for gray whales — a release published Tuesday states. Gray whales make up most of the reported deaths, the release adds. Many have been found specifically in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington. This means that 2026’s whale death rate has surpassed 2019’s previously held all-time high of 122. And it’s not just on the West Coast: Oceana states that the East Coast has had its own increase in whale strandings and deaths as well. As for why whale deaths have spiked, Oceana explains that there’s a variety of reasons: Warming waters, for one, are causing less algae to grow. This algae is eaten by crustaceans that are consumed by whales; less algae means less of these crustaceans, leaving migrating whales without food. And as food is becoming harder to find, Oceana continues, whales are being forced into areas that also tend to be busy with boat traffic. Boat fatalities — plus whales getting caught in fishing gear — have also greatly contributed to the increased death rate. Advocates are now calling on federal officials to address this issue. In fact, several conservation groups came together this month to send a notice of intent to sue the the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service for failing to issue a decision on Endangered Species Act protections for the gray whale. “We’ve lost half of these Pacific gray whales in just a decade,” said Miyoko Sakashita, the center’s ocean director, via statement. “Gray whales are washing up dead all along the West Coast, and if federal officials keep dragging their feet, it could be too late for the species.“These majestic whales are starving and they face other threats we need to fix to save these creatures from extinction.” Meta settlement could reshape how teens use Instagram and FacebookHow much is the 2027 Social Security COLA going to be? Announcement date setGulf of America Task Force makes major drug bust nets 2 suspects, large meth and gun haulBessemer mayor faces runoff as data center backlash reshapes city councilMom of 2 dead after plane hits her car during emergency landing on highwayClaudia covers trending and breaking news stories across the United States. She previously worked as a digital reporter for PennLive.com, where she covered a range of topics from metal music to consumer news to...