After a fantastic morning, we headed back into the strait to see if we could find some more whales. Coincidentally, we found the same whales we did on the morning tour, but in a very different spot! We had previously spotted Hendrix (BCY1278) and Yogi (BCY0409) just north of Gabriola Island, but when we caught up to them in the afternoon, we found them much further north, just southwest of Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast. Even though the humpbacks are slow moving, travelling at an average speed of 5-15 km/hour, they are no strangers to travelling long distances! In fact, Humpbacks have some of the longest migrations on Earth and can travel over 100 miles in a day. Whales in our waters are coming from either Hawaii or Mexico in their long journey to feed on our prey-rich waters. But humpbacks around the world have been keeping scientists on their toes, and we are constantly learning new information about them!

A new study published this month has documented one of the longest-known migrations, undertaken by a Humpback named Frodo. In his journey of over 7000 miles, Frodo was documented in the usual feeding grounds in the Russian waters of the Bering Sea, down to Saipan Island (Near Guam), and across the Pacific to Sayulita, Mexico- all in the course of one year! While completing these long distances is incredibly common for Humpbacks, the prevalence of animals heading to Mexico from Russia is new information to researchers, and Frodo’s interesting data is leading to new theories surrounding Humpback migration.This new route also shines light on previously humpback songs recorded out in the middle Pacific between Mexico and Hawaii, suggesting that this route may be more common than previously thought. It’s so exciting when new research is published about Humpbacks, as there is still so much to learn about this fascinating species. Check out the newly published article here for a deep dive (whale puns!) on humpback migration.

Back to our whales in the Salish Sea! This time of year is the prime time for seeing Humpbacks, and today was no different After hanging out with Hendrix and Yogi, we continued west along the Sunshine Coast and found two more together, Neowise (BCY0160 calf 2020), and BCX1965. These two were feeling a bit frisky, and we got to enjoy them hanging out, rolling around and even heard some trumpeting! Trumpeting is a noise produced by the whale through the blowhole, and is very similar to the trumpet of an elephant. Scientists don’t know the exact reason for this type of behaviour, but believe it’s used as a form of communication or tension release. The final humpback we saw today was Honu (BCX1856), further up the Sunshine Coast. We got some great fluke shots of Honu, and a couple of tail lobs as well!

We finished up the day checking out the Harbour Seals and visiting the Gabriola Bluffs. The white cliffside is spectacular in the evening light and the pictures really capture the serenity of the afternoon tours. Check out the day’s photos, all taken by Marine Naturalist Vanessa Vereschahen.

September 6, 2023, 3:30 - Searching for Humpbacks on the Sunshine Coast

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