2015–2016 Large Whale Unusual Mortality Event in the Western Gulf of Alaska, United States and British Columbia (Closed)

Summary

The Unusual Mortality Event involving large whales in the Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia, Canada that began in April 2015 is over.  The event was jointly investigated by NOAA Fisheries and Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada and was defined as occurring from May 22, 2015, to December 31, 2015, in the Gulf of Alaska and from April 23, 2015, to April 16, 2016, in British Columbia. 

Map of fin whale strandings in Alaska in 2015 and 2016

Map of large whale strandings in British Columbia in 2015 and 2016       

The number of dead fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the UME totaled 46 whales, including 34 for Alaska (12 fin, 22 humpback) and 12 for British Columbia, Canada (5 fin, 7 humpback). Based upon the findings from the investigation, a definitive cause of the UME was not determined although ecological factors were a contributory cause (i.e., the 2015 El Nino, Warm Water Blob and Pacific Coast Domoic Acid Bloom).

More Information

• 2017 Report: Alaska and British Columbia Large Whale Unusual Mortality Event Summary
• Frequent Questions: 2015–2016 Large Whale in Western Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia Unusual Mortality Event
• Unusual Mortality Events
• National Marine Mammal Stranding Network
• Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program
• Marine Mammal Protection