Gray Whales

Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) are large cetaceans found in the cooler temperate waters of the north Pacific Ocean. They are best known for their impressive migrations each year between their arctic feeding grounds and the warm coastal lagoons of Mexico and California where they reproduce. Gray Whales are an important part of the marine ecosystem, providing nutrients to many other species and providing food for predators such as killer whales and sharks. They are also an important part of cultural traditions, with many coastal communities dependent on their presence for subsistence hunting and tourism opportunities. Gray Whales are vulnerable to threats such as ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, pollution and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are underway to protect them, and the International Whaling Commission has adopted measures to protect the species.