California’s Gray Whale is In Danger

By Pedro Nava
Member
California State Assembly and
California Ocean Protection Council

California’s Gray Whale is in danger. The California Fish and Game Commission has erroneously listed the Gray Whale population as “recovered.” But that same whale, while traveling off the coast of Washington is listed as “sensitive”. When it reaches Oregon, it’s considered “endangered”. That makes no sense. California is supposed to be a leader on environmental issues including the protection of species, yet we lag behind other states on this issue.

Because of the scientific findings regarding past whale populations and recent observations that many Gray Whales are unhealthy and at risk, there is no doubt that the time for action is now. For this reason I authored Assembly Joint Resolution 49. AJR 49 asks Congress and the President to take action to ensure that this species is not reduced further. The resolution first asks Congress and the President to call upon the National Marine Fisheries Service to undertake an immediate comprehensive assessment of the California Gray Whale including threats to the species and the status of their habitat.

Additionally, the Resolution asks that the California Fish and Game Commission reevaluate the status of the California Gray Whale based on the findings of the National Marine Fisheries Service assessment and the existing body of scientific evidence.

In 1970, the Federal Government listed the California Gray Whale as endangered. Their estimated population was about 12,000. In 1994, Gray Whales were de-listed when the population rose to 23,000. It was thought the whales had reached pre-whaling levels. Based on recent discoveries and observations, it is clear that Gray Whales are still at risk and that their pre-whaling populations were probably 85,000 to 115,000.

National Academy of Sciences published studies conducted at Stanford University have found that the genetic variation in present day Gray Whales could only have come from a pre-whaling population ranging in size from 85,000 to 115,000. This is nearly 5 times the previous estimates of historic populations that were a factor in the decision to take the species off of the endangered species list.

In l999-2000, 6 years after they were taken off of the endangered species list, Gray Whales experienced a major die off that is estimated to have wiped out one third of their population. Observations of Gray Whales in the last year show large numbers of them are reaching their breeding grounds in Mexico malnourished and underweight. Bones are showing through their skin in a time of year when these animals should have a thick layer of blubber.

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