CLIMATE CHANGE

Gray whales are entirely dependent on climatic factors. Their prey, (amphipod macrocephela) needs very cold water to grow and survive. In 1999/2000, almost half the Gray whale population died and starvation appeared to be the major cause.

Amphipods feed on algae dropping from sea ice or carried by ocean currents. When the sea ice is diminished, the food web is disrupted. Whales are forced to feed on smaller amphipods which do not provide enough energy to complete the massive migration.

Gray whales have one of the longest migrations of any whale. Females need enough food to sustain the 12,000 mile migration; to give birth and to feed their young.

In their feeding grounds, the Bering and Chukchi Seas, El Nino events combined with global warming have increased the seawater temperature and ensured that sea ice is disappearing fast.

The extent of ice melt is so dramatic that the current decline exceeds the past records for the lowest ice periods in the 1930s and 40s. In 2005, scientists estimated the idecline in ice amounted to approximately 1.3 million square kilometres; an area roughly twice the size of Texas. In 2007, an additional 180,000 square kilometres, an area roughly the size of Florida, had disappeared.

A secondary warming effect is caused by the oceans absorption of a great deal of the sun's energy. As the sun begins to set in autumn, the heat stored in the ocean is released back into the atmosphere which increases air temperatures, thus decreasing sea ice.

2007 is the sixth consecutive year of melting sea ice in the Arctic with scientists predicting a new and steeper rate of decline.

Gray whales are specialist feeders. With no adequate substitute prey, their future survival is grim.

One of the first casualties of climate change in the Arctic is likely to be the Gray whale. It is vitally important that the habitat of resident whales in Canada, Oregon, Washington and California be protected to ensure survival of the species.

GRAY WHALE CALF DIES OF STARVATION

This calf hung around an oil rig for 2 weeks. National Marine and Fisheries Service ordered NO rescue attempts be made.

The workers at the rig kept MAR informed about the baby whale's condition with daily reports..

The CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE COALITION is dedicated to protecting the most ancient Baleen Whale on Planet Earth.

SIGN THE PETITION

"I request that the new US Congress take all necessary steps to fund a comprehensive review of all the major threats facing the California Gray Whale."

"A growing number of Gray Whales in the sub Arctic waters are contaminated. As bottom feeders, these whales are vulnerable to toxic pollution.  Recent data from our worldwide sampling of sperm whale blubber - The Voyage of the Odyssey - show that many whales are polluted to levels that make their meat unsafe for human consumption-a sufficient cause to discontinue whaling."

DR ROGER PAYNE

"The California Gray Whale is an indicator species of the sub Arctic and Arctic Oceans.   With major changes taking place in the polar marine ecosystems, ensuring ongoing research into the major threats facing these majestic whales is critical.  In the light of these changes, Gray Whales deserve the highest legal protection."

DR SLVIA EARLE




"Gray whales face many pressures, such as lack of food, coastal development and increasing ocean noise.  They need better protection."

JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU

"And God created the great whales
there in Laguna San Ignacio"

HOMERO ARIDJIS

"the possibility that we might drive these magnificent creatures into extinction is unimaginable and unacceptable."

DARYL HANNAH

"Life began in the sea.  So goes the whale...so goes mankind.  An effort to save the whales benefits us all."

BEAU BRIDGES

"Thanks for leading the fight to save
the Gray Whales"

ED BEGLEY JNR




"The Gray Whale is the marine mammal symbol of California.  It deserves to be protected and honored.  I support the creation of a "Whale of a Day" tribute to this magnificent animal."

PRINCE FREDERIC VON ANHALT

"The Gray Whale faces a myriad of threats from climate change to sonar testing and oil exploration. They need our help and the California Gray Whale Coalition is a leading advocate for this important keystone species."

PEDRO NAVA

"When we fully understand and begin to meet the threats to the California Gray Whale, we will be addressing the problems that face North America's entire Pacific coastal ecosystem."

LYNN WOOLSEY

"Saving the Gray Whales from extinction is an absolute must.  This magnificent, intelligent species cannot be allowed to perish from this earth.  If we ignore their plight we ignore the eventual impact on all species, including our own, of the rapacious practices of mankind."

SARA WAN

"Gray whales need our immediate attention! Due to climate change, their Arctic food supply is diminishing and the numbers of mother-calf pairs on the long migration are the lowest in years."

DICK RUSSELL

Grateful thanks to Baja Eco Tours for these images.