Available evidence suggests that certain environmental stresses in the Chirikov Basin would negatively impact gray whales. Drawing shows the California Gray Whale and Pacific Walrus feeding methods. Whales suck a sediment mat of amphipod tubes from the sea floor into one side of their mouths. They then strain amphipods from the mat with baleen and expel suspended sediment out the other side of their mouths into the sea water. The walruses leave furrows full of clam and snail shells throughout the muddy areas where they feed.
Drawing also shows sidescan sonar data collection in the furrowed and pitted areas.
Knowledge of the feeding habits of gray whales and the geological framework on which the habitat of amphipods depends suggests that any disturbance to the ecosystem could significantly reduce the gray whale population within a few years. Calculations suggest that the Chirikov Basin provides a minimum of six percent of the food supply for the California gray whale. Such a loss of amphipod habitat could occur, for example, if sand is removed to support construction in Alaska or if the sand sheet is contaminated by petroleum spills. Monitoring these activities may help avoid placing the gray whale on the endangered species list once again. Similar activities could also affect the habitat of the walruses' preferred food.