Our journey began early, venturing towards a known cetacean hot spot on the east side of Valdes Island, a region that has recently attracted a variety of marine mammals, particularly humpback whales. The passage to the area led us through the iconic Salish Sea, an expanse renowned for its stunning seascapes and the dramatic, mountainous backdrop of the Pacific Northwest.

Upon reaching our destination our two boats experienced seperate encounters with different groups of whales. The covered vessel found Bandit (BCX2081), a familiar humpback whale identified from previous sightings, while the open boat located two other humpbacks—Harpy (BCZ0503) and Professor X (BCX1965)—travelling together. Interestingly, Harpy and Bandit share a unique connection, both being calves born in 2020. This synchronous encounter with two whales of the same age provides a rare opportunity to study their development and behavior, particularly as they continue to navigate the nutrient-rich waters of the Salish Sea.

The whales appeared to be feeding actively, evident from their prolonged, deep dives. These behaviours are often associated with hunting and consumption of prey beneath the surface, most likely krill and small schooling fish, which are abundant in these waters. The duration of the dives and subsequent surfacing provide insight into the whales' foraging strategies, as they rely on these nutrient-rich environments to sustain their large body mass, consuming nearly a tonne of food each day.

After leaving these whales, both boats reconvened at Stinky Rocks, a well-known location for observing various pinniped species and seabirds. The rocky outcrops were teeming with Steller Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, and even some cormorants, all vying for space on the sun-baked rocks.

The next highlight of the trip was Kappa (BCX1058), another humpback whale known to frequent the area. Kappa, like the others, was actively foraging. Humpback whales are primarily filter feeders, using their baleen plates to capture small prey such as krill and plankton. Interestingly, we can deduce what they’ve been feeding on by analyzing the colour and consistency of their feces. In this case, Kappa’s pink-colored poop indicated a diet rich in krill. Whales often defecate near the surface, just before diving, and this excretion helps recycle nutrients back into the water column, benefiting other organisms in the marine food web.

Our day concluded with a scenic return trip through the Southern Gulf Islands, a picturesque archipelago with lush forests and jagged coastlines. The journey provided a perfect opportunity to reflect on the richness of the marine life we had witnessed and the importance of protecting these habitats. These ecosystems are not only vital for species like humpback whales but also for the overall health of the Salish Sea, which serves as a critical habitat for a diverse range of marine species.

The onboard marine naturalists Cheyenne Brewster (Kula) and Vanessa Vereschahen (Keta) captured some amazing photos from all of these wildlife encounters, which can be viewed below!

September 10, 2024 - Observing Humpback Whales and Marine Life in the Salish Sea

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