Gray whales swimming along the West Coast are making a comeback, according to a new population estimate released July 17, 2026.
The species was once nearly wiped out entirely due to commercial whaling. However, protections put in place under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the global end of commercial whaling have allowed the population to recover over time.
The latest count indicates that the number of gray whales in the region has gone up, offering encouraging news for wildlife conservationists who have long monitored the health of this species.
Gray whales are a well-known species along the Pacific Coast, and tracking their numbers helps scientists understand the overall health of the ocean ecosystem. Officials say the upward trend in population is a sign that conservation measures are working.
