Three more grey whales found dead on B.C. coast after four discovered in April

A grey whale dives near Whidbey Island as seen from a Pacific Whale Watch Association vessel, May 4, 2022, in Washington state. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) Ted S. Warre

Fisheries Department officials say the bodies of three more grey whales were found in May along British Columbia’s coast, adding to the four others spotted in April.

The department says in an email that the three whales were found along Haida Gwaii’s coast, all reported separately on May 18, May 24 and May 31.

It says sample collection and post-mortem examination of dead whales are conducted with its partners “where possible.”

Four whales were found dead off Vancouver Island within 10 days in April, two of which the department said were in “extremely emaciated” condition.

There have been at least eight grey whales found dead along B.C.’s coast so far this year compared with 11 deaths reported for all of 2019, which was considered a record year.

The department said in April that it expected more such deaths, as the lower food supply in northern feeding grounds last summer may have contributed to their poor conditions and the whales usually don’t feed during winter breeding season.