Gray Whale

Eschrichtius robustus

Conservation Concern 4

The eastern North Paci c population of Grey Whale winters along the west coast of Mexico. Most individuals spend the summer feeding in the arctic waters of the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas. A small number migrate through the waters off the Yukon coast to reach feeding areas east of the Mackenzie Delta. On their arctic feeding grounds Grey Whales feed predominantly on amphipod crustaceans by scooping up sediment and straining it through their baleen. They are responsible for recirculating nutrients from the sediments into the water column, making them a keystone species in arctic marine ecosystems.

Description 4

Grey Whales are medium-to-large (11-14 m) baleen whales that lacks a dorsal n. They are dark grey, have mottled skin, and are often covered with patches of barnacles and other crustaceans.

Typical Habitat 4

Grey Whales are usually found in shallow (< 60 m) water close to shore, although in Yukon they have only been reported off Herschel Island and may be transient in deeper waters here. On arctic feeding grounds, Grey Whales feed almost exclusively over mud or sand bottoms and avoid areas of heavy ice.

Potential Threats 4

Industrial development of shallow marine areas (e.g. oil exploration and offshore mining) and the associated noise pollution (e.g. seismic exploration) can cause loss and deterioration of habitat. Ice cover on the arctic feeding grounds limits the feeding season and thus affects mortality and calf production. In addition, Grey Whales are killed by entanglement in shing gear and in collisions with ships, though these causes of mortality have not been reported in waters off the Yukon coast.

Did You Know? 4

Commercial whaling reduced the size of the eastern North Paci c population before they were protected in 1937. Grey Whales reach sexual maturity at approximately 8 years and may live up to 70 years. Grey Whales undertake one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, travelling 15,000-20,000 km round trip. Grey WhaleLsakaere the focus of an expanding whale-watching industry and are of signi cant economic value to coastal communities. The entrapment of three Grey Whales in sea ice near Barrow, Alaska, in October 1988 made international news and was the focus of a spectacular rescue involving a Russian icebreaker brought in to create an escape route for the whales.

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) Joe McKenna, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), http://www.flickr.com/photos/72063229@N00/4467477140
  2. (c) David Merrett, some rights reserved (CC BY), https://www.flickr.com/photos/davehamster/15708046793/
  3. (c) Joe McKenna, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), http://www.flickr.com/photos/72063229@N00/4330560004
  4. (c) L.G. Johanson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

Range Map

iNaturalist.ca Map

Animal Mammal
Mammal Whales (Cetacea)
Color grey