Western Gray Whale Critically Threatened by Oil and Gas Exploration

One of the world’s most critically endangered whales, the western gray whale, is being pushed out of its annual feeding area by loud industrial activity from oil and gas exploration by Exxon, BP, and Rosneft, says a panel of top scientists.

“Western gray whale cows with their calves feed near the shore, but the industrial noise resulting from oil and gas development activities is pushing them out of the area.” - Doug Norlen, Pacific Environment

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The Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel (WGWAP), a group of 11 scientists and representatives from Shell and Sakhalin Energy, discussed the effects of oil and gas development on the gray whales off the coast of Sakhalin Island (their main annual feeding area) in a meeting in April.

The scientists disclosed that the number of whales in the feeding area was greatly reduced during 2008, which may translate to less successful breeding for the animals.

“Any disturbance of these critically endangered whales’ behavior is particularly concerning as there are only 130 of them left.” - Norlen

According to the WWF, Exxon, BP, and Rosneft have denied the threats and refused to address the issue, and continue to plan for further seismic testing and construction in the area in 2009, possibly leading to further displacement of western gray whales from their traditional annual feeding area.

“The new information presented at this meeting  has heightened rather than diminished the Panel’s concern that whale distribution and behaviour may have been seriously affected by industrial activities – on land and offshore - in 2008.” - Western Gray Whale Panel Report

A petition calling for postponement of new development work by major oil companies in the feeding area has been signed by 35,000 people, and the timing for action on the petition is crucial, as the whales will begin arriving at the feeding area near Sakhalin within a month. The petition also calls for companies to work with scientists to find ways to protect the endangered animals.

Only 25 to 30 breeding females remain, making the western gray whale one of the world’s most endangered. The small population leaves only a slim chance for the survival of the species if the industrial activity nearby continues.

“These companies can either choose to act responsibly or stay their course and help push the western gray whale further toward extinction.” - Aleksey Knizhnikov, WWF Russia

The Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel is calling for a moratorium on all development activities in the feeding area this summer, and Sakhalin Energy has agreed to cancel their planned seismic activities in the area this year.

Download the Western Gray Whale Panel Report, and sign the petition to postpone new development in the area.

Image: ©IFAW / R. Sobol

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