Dead gray whale along San Leandro shoreline
Gray whale found dead in San Leandro likely killed by ship
The Marine Mammal Center says a dead gray whale that washed up on shore in San Leandro was likely killed by a passing ship in the Bay.
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. - A dead gray whale has washed up along the San Leandro shoreline near the Bay Trail south of Marina Park.
Likely killed by ship strike
In a news release and video released on Thursday, the city of San Leandro said they are coordinating with wildlife agencies, including the California Academy of Sciences and the National Marine Fisheries Service, to figure out what to do.
Scientists from the The Marine Mammal Center performed a necropsy and investigation on the 12-meter adult whale to determine the cause of death, the city said.
Researchers say the whale was likely killed by a ship strike. The Center for Biological Diversity counts this as the 12th whale death in the San Francisco Bay this year, and among the 51 found along the West Coast so far.
A dead whale washed up in San Leandro. Photo: San Leandro May 29, 2026
Dig deeper:
The necropsy found injuries to the whale's head and the left side of its body are consistent with a ship strike occurring within the last few days.
"Once they enter the Bay for feeding or whatever other reason, they are now in very busy shipping traffic," said Pádraig Duignan, Senior Director of Research Pathology for the Marine Mammal Center.
Duignan noted that gray whales are particularly difficult for vessels to spot.
"They're not like the humpback whales that do a lot of surface activity," Duignan said. "Everybody knows they're around when they're around because they're slapping the water, they're breaching, they are doing all this fun stuff. But gray whales tend to be very cryptic."
Alarming trend points to broader issues
Biologists fear this could be one of the deadliest years in history for whales.
In 2025, 24 whales were found dead due to ship strikes on the West Coast, though researchers estimate the actual number could be more than 80 because many are never found.
The trend has raised alarm among local residents.
"It’s absolutely tragic that we’re threatening our own species' lives as well as all of the species of life on this planet," said Sabra Matthews.
"I’m kind of worried about it, that these whales keep disappearing," said Miguel Lazo.
Efforts are underway at the federal level to address the crisis. Last month, Congressman Sam Liccardo introduced the "Save Willy Act," which would establish a "Whale Desk" for the Coast Guard. The desk would allow mariners and the public to report sightings while incorporating innovative technology for whale monitoring.
However, advocacy groups say immediate action is needed.
Researchers with the Center for Biological Diversity say 1 in every 5 whales entering the San Francisco Bay is dying, and 40% of those deaths are caused by ship strikes, according to a study.
The organization is currently suing the Coast Guard in hopes of enforcing a mandatory speed limit.
"A 10-knot speed limit is what is necessary to prevent whales from getting hit," said Miyoko Sakashita, Director of the Oceans program for the Center for Biological Diversity. "And if they do get hit, it will help prevent them from dying."
Sakashita noted that all of the causes of whale death are preventable, including the human impact on the climate. "If we can keep their population more robust now, they'll be able to weather those fluctuations and prey a little bit better."
What they're saying:
People walking along the Bay Trail on Friday morning were met with the sight of the massive mammal cut open following a necropsy.
"It was pretty shocking," said Mary Ann Mavridis of San Leandro.
Victoria Williams, also of San Leandro, added, "It’s a sad thing to see. It’s really sad. It’s gross and it’s stinky."
What you can do:
The experts have also advised that allowing the whale to naturally decompose is the safest and most environmentally appropriate option, the city said.
City officials are asking the public to avoid the area and crews put up yellow tape to create a perimeter around the mammal.
Members of the public who want to help are encouraged to reach out to local lawmakers and government officials to petition for slower ship speeds. Anyone who spots a whale on the water is urged to contact the Marine Mammal Center.
The Source: The city of San Leandro, Center for Biological Diversity, Marine Mammal Center, Cal Academy for the Sciences