Another incredible day in the Salish Sea! Today we were treated to a myriad of Humpbacks, enjoying the company of 7 different animals during today’s tour. We headed out into the Strait of Georgia, across the way to the familiar waters of Halibut Bank. We often find Humpbacks here due to the abundance of food in this area. We soon came across three humpbacks traveling very close together, El Diablo (BCX0132), Nike (BCX1377), and Wolf Eel (BCY094)! Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see pairs or larger groups of Humpbacks travelling and associations with each other, but this wasn’t always the case.

Once abundant in the pristine waters of the Strait of Georgia, humpback whales faced a devastating chapter in their history with their extirpation from this region. Throughout history, these majestic creatures were a common sight in our waters, with thousands of animals returning year after year to feed. However, due to decades of intensive whaling that began in the early 20th century, humpback whales were driven to the brink of extinction in the Strait of Georgia. Their populations dwindled significantly, and their haunting absence left an undeniable void in the marine ecosystem. Thankfully, in recent decades, stringent conservation efforts, including international whaling bans and marine protected areas, have paved the way for the gradual return of humpback whales to the region. While their extirpation serves as a stark reminder of the impact of human activities on marine life, their resurgence symbolizes the power of conservation and the hope for a harmonious coexistence between humans and these incredible creatures in the future. We always appreciate our time spent with these gentle giants, and today was no different!

Seeing more blows in the distance, we decided to leave our three friends and go investigate. Following the blows, we soon came up on a feeding frenzy in the Salish Sea! Four humpbacks were hanging out in the middle of thousands on Bonaparte’s gulls, feeding alongside their feathered friends on what we can only imagine was a significant bait ball below the surface. The humpbacks we found were Chi (BCZ0414 calf 2021), Dalmatian (BCY0994), Magpie (BCY1124), and Schooner (BCX1193 calf 2021). There was a lot of excitement, between the swarms of the birds and the repeated trumpets of the whales. We even got some close personal views of our friend Chi, who came to check out the boat a little bit before moving on. What a sight to behold!

These whales feed as much as they can before they get ready to head back to the much warmer breeding grounds. Every year, the waters of the Strait of Georgia witness a magnificent natural phenomenon: the migration of humpback whales. Typically occurring during the spring and summer months, humpback whales embark on this epic journey, travelling thousands of miles from their feeding grounds in colder waters to warmer breeding and calving areas. Around the Strait of Georgia, humpback whales are often spotted between April and October, making this period the prime whale-watching season! During their migration, these graceful giants navigate the waters with remarkable precision, showcasing their innate sense of direction honed over generations. This migration not only reflects the whales' adaptability but also highlights the significance of the Strait of Georgia as a vital part of their migratory route, offering a glimpse into the awe-inspiring cycles of marine life in this diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

All photos from the day were taken by Marine Naturalists Des Poier and Cheyenne Brewster.