As global warming continues to rise, an increasing number of whales are becoming stranded in Osaka Bay, located in western Japan.
On February 19, a whale measuring 13-14 meters in length and weighing 25-30 tons was discovered in Osaka Bay.
Stranded whale in Osaka Bay. (Source: Kyodo).
This whale had been stranded in the bay since late January.
A week earlier, locals had spotted this whale off the coast of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.
In January 2023, another whale measuring 15 meters died after struggling near the mouth of the Yodo River in Osaka.
The local port authority reported that all whales that stray into Osaka Bay have perished after failing to return to the Pacific Ocean.
While it is possible to use metallic sounds to drive whales away, this method can provoke the animals, making it less than ideal.
Mr. Yasunobu Nabeshima, President of the Osaka Museum of Natural History, believes that the increasing number of whales entering Osaka Bay is due to global warming, which has reduced the temperature difference between the Pacific Ocean and Osaka Bay.
In addition to whales, dolphins and sea turtles have also been appearing more frequently in the bay.
Furthermore, the complex structure of Osaka Bay makes it easier for whales to become stranded.
The Sakai-Semboku port, where the whale was found on February 19, leads to a dead end.
Mr. Nabeshima stated that whales use sound waves for navigation, and when they enter Osaka Bay, they cannot escape. Therefore, local authorities need to collaborate with research organizations to conduct ecological surveys in the bay to find effective solutions for this issue.
