Three Malnourished Gray Whales Found Dead on Washington Coast

Cascadia Research Collective investigates multiple whale strandings in early April

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted tones of blue, green, and gray, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the delicate balance of the gray whale's ocean ecosystem.An abstract visualization of the complex environmental factors impacting the health and migration of gray whales along the Washington coast.Ocean Shores Today

In the first few days of April, three malnourished gray whales were found dead along the Washington coast. The first whale was spotted swimming up the Willapa River but died after being unable to return to the ocean due to its debilitated state. Two more dead gray whales, a male and female, were later discovered on the beach in Ocean Shores, Washington. Biologists determined the male had injuries consistent with a vessel strike, while the female was not lactating and likely died from starvation.

Why it matters

Gray whales are a protected species that migrate annually along the West Coast, and their deaths raise concerns about the overall health of the population. Malnourishment and vessel strikes are two key threats facing gray whales, which can provide insights into broader environmental and human impacts on marine ecosystems.

The details

On April 1, a gray whale was spotted swimming up the Willapa River in Washington. Cascadia River Collective began monitoring the whale, which appeared thin but was behaving normally. They planned to try and relocate the whale if it didn't leave the river on its own. However, the whale was found dead on April 4 after the team was unable to locate it the previous day. A necropsy revealed the whale was severely malnourished and had internal injuries. Meanwhile, on April 4, Cascadia teams also investigated two more dead gray whales on the beach in Ocean Shores, Washington - a male and female, both found to be malnourished. The male had injuries consistent with a vessel strike.

  • On April 1, a gray whale was spotted swimming up the Willapa River.
  • On April 2, the Cascadia team noted the whale had not left the river.
  • On April 3, the team planned to investigate the whale but could not locate it.
  • On April 4, the whale was found dead in the river.
  • Also on April 4, two more dead gray whales were discovered on the beach in Ocean Shores.

The players

Cascadia River Collective

A nonprofit organization that began monitoring the gray whale in the Willapa River and later investigated the dead whales found on the coast.

Cascadia Research Collective

A research organization that conducted necropsies on the dead gray whales and provided analysis on the causes of death.

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

A state agency that responded to the whale strandings along with Cascadia Research Collective and SR³.

SR³ - Sealife Response, Rehabilitation & Research

A marine life response and research organization that assisted in investigating the dead gray whales found in Ocean Shores.

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What they’re saying

“Our necropsy results support the decision to not take immediate aggressive actions which would have further stressed the whale and not changed the ultimate outcome.”

— Cascadia Research Collective

What’s next

Cascadia Research Collective and the other responding agencies will continue to investigate the causes of death for the three gray whales and monitor the overall health of the gray whale population along the Washington coast.

The takeaway

The deaths of these three malnourished gray whales highlight the ongoing threats facing the species, including vessel strikes and environmental factors that can impact their ability to find sufficient food during their annual migrations. Understanding the specific causes behind these strandings can inform conservation efforts to protect gray whales and the broader marine ecosystem.