Digital News Report- A 25-foot dead gray whale was found floating off of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf this morning. It’s suspected that the whale was migrating from Mexico to Alaska as part of its annual migration. The whale has been anchored to a buoy until authorities decide what to do with the body. So far a cause of death has not yet been determined, but Teri Sigler, a coordinator for the Long Marine Lab, suggested that it appeared underweight. It also had several injuries, but they were not severe enough to be determined as the cause of death.
The Wharf and the Boardwalk are currently flooded with tourists seeking out the beach for Spring Break. The body was only 100 yards from shore drifting towards the sand near the Boardwalk when it was discovered. The whale was also interfering with boat traffic before being towed to a buoy.
Many locals and tourist take part in Whale Watching Tours, some of which take off from the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. The whales pass by Santa Cruz on their 10,000-12,000 mile migration from Baja Mexico to the cooler waters in Alaska. The Monterey Bay is a popular rest strop and feeding ground for the migrating creatures.