Skin Disease in Endangered Killer Whales Concerns Scientists

Researchers studying endangered Southern Resident killer whales have observed a strong increase in the prevalence of skin disease. In a SeaDoc Society-led study published in PLOS ONE, researchers document a steady increase in the occurrence of highly correlated gray patches and gray targets on the whales’ skin from 2004 to 2016. Despite not knowing the underlying cause, the study’s authors are concerned.